Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has proven his box office mettle once again with his latest release, Sitaare Zameen Par. The film, which hit theaters on June 20, 2025, has now crossed the coveted ₹130 crore milestone within just 11 days of release, despite stiff competition from newer releases. Co-starring Genelia D’Souza, the family drama continues to resonate with audiences across all age groups, affirming Aamir Khan’s reputation as the ‘thinking actor’ of Indian cinema.
A Sequel with a Soul
Though not a direct sequel, Sitaare Zameen Par is widely regarded as a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. While the earlier film focused on a child’s struggle with dyslexia, Sitaare Zameen Par flips the perspective, telling the story of a group of special children who come together to play football, and how their journey transforms the life of their reluctant coach, played by Aamir.
The emotional depth of the film, combined with light-hearted moments, makes it a family entertainer with a message, something Aamir Khan has mastered over the years.
Powerful Performances Drive the Message Home
Aamir Khan, who also co-produced the film, brings nuance and restraint to his role as Kabir Sharma, a former footballer with a troubled past. Critics have praised his understated yet impactful performance, noting how he avoids melodrama in favor of emotional realism.
Genelia D’Souza, making a long-awaited comeback, plays Meera, a passionate social worker and the heart of the institution that supports the special kids. Her chemistry with Aamir is natural and endearing, and her performance has been called “one of her most mature to date.”
The real stars, however, are the young actors portraying children with disabilities. Their performances are being celebrated for authenticity and warmth, with many critics saying they’ve brought fresh energy to the screen.
Box Office Breakdown
| Day | Collection |
|---|---|
| Opening Day (June 20) | ₹12.5 crore |
| Opening Weekend | ₹41 crore |
| Week 1 Total | ₹96 crore |
| Second Weekend (Day 8–10) | ₹24 crore |
| Day 11 (Second Monday) | ₹3.75 crore |
| Total (Day 11) | ₹130+ crore |
What makes this box office run remarkable is that Sitaare Zameen Par is not an action-packed commercial film. Instead, it’s a dialogue-driven, emotional drama — proving yet again that content is king, especially when backed by a powerful star like Aamir.
What’s Fueling the Success?
Several factors have contributed to the film’s impressive performance:
- Emotional Connect – The film appeals to parents, teachers, and students alike, creating a broad demographic reach.
- Positive Word-of-Mouth – Social media is flooded with heartfelt reviews from audiences, many calling it “life-changing” and “a tearjerker.”
- Family Viewership – With schools closed for summer, the film has become a top choice for family outings, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
- Repeat Value – Viewers are returning for second and third viewings, especially with children and elders.
Critical Acclaim & Public Response
Critics have unanimously praised the film’s direction, screenplay, and music. The background score by Pritam and lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya have been described as “soul-stirring,” with songs like Udaan and Aasmaan Ke Neeche topping music charts.
Here are some excerpts from major reviews:
- “Aamir Khan delivers yet another lesson in compassion, inclusion, and hope. A must-watch.” – Times of India
- “Sitaare Zameen Par will make you laugh, cry, and leave the theater with a full heart.” – NDTV
- “This is what cinema should aspire to be — powerful, purposeful, and pure.” – Film Companion
Audiences have echoed similar sentiments. Many have taken to Twitter and Instagram to share personal stories, making the film a cultural conversation starter about inclusivity and resilience.
Marketing and Outreach
Aamir Khan and the team behind Sitaare Zameen Par executed a strategic marketing campaign. Highlights include:
- Interactive School Events across Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow featuring the cast and crew.
- Special Screenings for educators, NGOs, and disabled children.
- Digital Campaigns under the hashtag #HarBacchaEkSitara — aimed at encouraging conversations on special education.
This on-ground engagement helped the film build emotional resonance before its release, driving early footfalls and sustained interest.
What’s Next for the Film?
Given its strong hold and minimal drop in collections, Sitaare Zameen Par is expected to enter the ₹175 crore club comfortably. With limited big-budget competition until mid-July, the film has a clean window to dominate family audiences and multiplexes.
There is also buzz that the film will be sent as India’s official entry to the 2026 Academy Awards under the Best International Feature category.
Final Thoughts
Sitaare Zameen Par is more than just a box office success. It’s a reaffirmation that meaningful storytelling still sells, especially when supported by powerful performances and a strong emotional message. In an era dominated by flashy action and big franchises, Aamir Khan’s return to heartfelt cinema is a breath of fresh air.
The ₹130 crore milestone is just the beginning. The film is poised to leave a lasting legacy—not only in terms of collections, but also in the hearts of its audience.
