Bollywood megastar Aamir Khan has never been conventional, and this time he also hit the headlines when he turned down an offer of mega 120crore OTT contract to his upcoming movie-Sitaare Zameen Par. When, the majority of the producers are in the hullabaloo of rushing to fast OTT releases, Aamir is going against all odds of returning the people to the theatres.
So, what’s the reason behind this move? And what does it mean for the film industry? Let’s dive in.
Aamir Khan Turns Down Amazon Prime Video’s ₹120 Cr Deal
The reports (on industry sources) seemed out of this world, with Amazon Prime Video, reportedly making an outrageous bid of ₹120 crore on the digital streaming rights of Sitaare Zameen Par. Using his surprise to everyone, Aamir Khan turned down the deal.
This is not the largest platform that Aamir has rejected. To its surprise, even Netflix, it is reported, offered to buy it on a juicy deal before Amazon. But Aamir appears to be decisive about his new release policy which would help to restore the theatre culture in India.
“Aamir Khan wants to delay OTT release to boost cinema footfall,” said trade analyst Komal Nahta.
A New Release Strategy: Theatrical First, OTT Later
Traditionally, films are released on OTT platforms within 3–4 weeks of theatrical release. But Aamir is breaking this norm.
✅ His plan:
Release the film in cinemas on June 20 and stream it online only after 8 weeks.
The reason? To encourage more people to watch films on the big screen, just like the pre-OTT era.
The Thought Process Behind the Decision
Aamir Khan has always believed that cinema is meant to be experienced in theatres. In recent years, the rise of OTT platforms has led to a drop in theatre audiences, especially for non-franchise or emotional dramas.
By delaying the OTT release, Aamir hopes that:
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It will create hype and curiosity over time.
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Other filmmakers might follow suit if the strategy succeeds.
“The instant OTT release is one reason theatre culture is dying,” Aamir reportedly told his team.
Is YouTube the Secret Plan?
Even though big platforms like Amazon and Netflix have been rejected, there’s buzz that Aamir might release the movie on YouTube later.
But here’s the twist: it won’t be free.
YouTube Paid Viewing Model:
Aamir is considering using YouTube’s Pay-Per-View option, which allows users to rent or buy movies to watch.
This gives him:
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Full control over the release timing.
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A way to monetize without depending on OTT giants.
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Direct engagement with his fans.
Release Date of ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’
Mark your calendars!
‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ is officially releasing in theatres on 20th June 2025.
The film is expected to be a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par and will explore emotions, relationships, and human resilience—with Aamir Khan in a lead role once again.
Impact on the Indian Film Industry
If Aamir’s strategy works, it could reshape how Bollywood films are released in the future.
Possible Outcomes:
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Revival of theatre-going culture
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Reduced dependence on OTT platforms
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Better box office returns before digital revenue
Many producers are closely watching this move. If successful, other stars might also adopt a “theatres-first” approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Why did Aamir Khan reject Amazon Prime’s offer?
He wants people to experience ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ in theatres first and is experimenting with a new release model.
❓ Will the film be available on OTT later?
Yes, but only after at least 8 weeks of theatrical run. It may later release via YouTube paid viewing.
❓ Is ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ related to ‘Taare Zameen Par’?
While not a direct sequel, it is said to be a spiritual successor, exploring similar emotional themes.
❓ What is the official release date?
June 20, 2025 in cinemas across India and possibly worldwide.
Conclusion
Aamir Khan has yet again shown that he is not only a great actor, but he is also a visionary in movie industry. By turning down 120 crore OTT deal he has pinned his hopes on theatres and the viewer experience.
The gamble might or might not pay off but either way this is something that we can all be certain of: Sitaare Zameen Par is due to be amongst the most anticipated Bollywood films of 2025.
Get ready to witness something magical on the big screen!