Aamir Khan Breaks Convention: Sitaare Zameen Par To Skip OTT, Opt For Pay-Per-View Release
In an era where Bollywood films often head straight to OTT platforms post their theatrical run, Aamir Khan is poised to challenge the norm. The actor-producer has reportedly decided to bypass the conventional streaming route for his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, choosing instead a pay-per-view release model that could potentially shift how audiences engage with post-theatrical content.
Aamir Khan to skip the OTT route
As per Hollywood Reporter India, Aamir is keen to forgo a typical OTT release for the comedy-drama Sitaare Zameen Par, which is slated for a theatrical debut on June 20. Rather than launching on a streaming platform, the film will be made available for pay-per-view on YouTube two months after its theatrical run.
Currently, Hindi films generally hit OTT platforms within eight weeks of their big-screen release — a trend Aamir has openly criticised. His latest move appears to be a deliberate attempt to counter this pattern.
“Aamir doesn't want to release his films directly on streaming after their theatrical run, as it discourages viewers from watching movies on the big screen. It is also a reason why there is no streaming logo on the poster of Sitaare Zameen Par," said a source.
Reportedly, Khan had initially planned for Laal Singh Chaddha to arrive on Netflix six months after its August 2022 premiere, aiming for a January 2023 release. However, the film ended up streaming just eight weeks later.
“The decision involves multiple factors. Of course, there is a perception that non-spectacle films are better suited for OTT platforms, which has led many to skip them in theatres. Pay-per-view, however, creates a cinema-like urgency, as viewers would need to pay specifically for the film rather than accessing it freely through a subscription model. This consumer-centric approach benefits both viewers and producers, giving the latter more control over their content. Aamir wants to see how this plays out, so we shall know details in the coming weeks," the source added.
More about the movie
Sitaare Zameen Par is described as a spiritual sequel to Aamir’s critically acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. The new film stars Aamir alongside Darsheel Safary and Genelia D’Souza, and explores the journey of a man who learns life-altering lessons through his interactions with children who perceive the world differently.
In a prior interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Aamir elaborated on the film’s premise: “Well, it’s a beautiful story. Actually, the easiest way I can describe it is that Taare Zameen Par is a very emotional film that makes you cry. Sitaare Zameen Par makes you laugh; it’s a humorous film. The theme is similar – about people with different abilities, different intelligence, or different challenges – but it’s humour instead of emotion.”
He also added that the new film deepens the original theme: “In many ways, I feel it’s way ahead of Taare Zameen Par, because in Taare Zameen Par, the person with the challenge – Ishaan – was helped by my character. In Sitaare Zameen Par, it’s ten people with challenges who help me, the supposedly ‘normal’ person. So I feel it goes much further. I hope it turns out well.”
Speaking at the Waves Summit 2025, Aamir also candidly discussed the awkwardness surrounding current OTT models: "If I have to be honest with my audience while marketing my film, I have to tell them my film is releasing, but all those who are on a particular subscription have bought my film, they don’t need to come to the theatres."
He added, "The ones who are not on this OTT, please come. This is the communication I have to make with honesty, but it is awkward. The window between theatrical and OTT is too small. You’re killing your own business.”
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