After a brief hiatus from the silver screen, Aamir Khan returns with Sitaare Zameen Par, a heartfelt Hindi film released on June 21, 2025. Positioned as a spiritual successor to the 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, this movie focuses not on childhood learning disabilities, but on adult neurodiversity, wrapped inside a story of sports, redemption, and inner transformation.
Directed by RS Prasanna, and adapted from the 2018 Italian hit Campeones, the movie explores themes of inclusion, empathy, and human connection—offering a cinematic experience that goes beyond the mainstream Bollywood formula.
In Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan plays Gulshan Arora, a fiery and egotistical assistant basketball coach whose anger issues land him in court. Sentenced to community service, he must now coach a basketball team comprising specially-abled adults—a group with their own quirks, personalities, and talents.
What starts as resistance soon becomes redemption. The film refuses to fall into pity-driven narratives. Instead, it focuses on dignity, self-expression, and the idea that ‘normal’ is a relative term.
Sitare Zameen Par Review: The Two Halves
First Half:
The initial act suffers from sluggish pacing and somewhat cliché conflicts. Gulshan’s resistance, his marital tension with Sunita (played by Genelia Deshmukh), and the slow-burn transformation take time to engage viewers. It feels more like a stretched setup than active storytelling.
Second Half:
The real magic begins post-intermission. With emotional peaks, laugh-out-loud moments, and a genuine bond between the coach and his players, the movie takes off. One standout is the cameo by Brijendra Kala, which provides both humor and heart. It’s here that Sitaare Zameen Par wins over even the most skeptical viewers.
Sitaare Zameen Par Movie Rating & Performance
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Acting (Aamir Khan) | ★★★★☆ |
| Direction | ★★★.5☆ |
| Screenplay | ★★★☆☆ |
| Music & Score | ★★★☆☆ |
| Overall Movie Rating | ★★★.5☆ |
Sitaare Zameen Par Box Office Collection & Budget
As per early trade reports, advance bookings collected ₹2.5 crore. Opening day earnings are estimated between ₹7–8 crore, modest for an Aamir Khan release. Industry experts expect the film to rely heavily on word-of-mouth for box office growth.
- Opening Day Collection: ₹7.5 crore (approx.)
- Expected Weekend Gross: ₹30–35 crore
- Budget: ₹65 crore (approx., production + marketing)
- Competition: Housefull 5, Maa (releases June 27)
Though Sitaare Zameen Par is not a massy release like Dangal or PK, it targets a multiplex and elite audience that appreciates emotional and performance-driven content.
Audience Sentiment & Social Reactions
“Aamir delivers with heart. Second half is pure gold.”
“Didn’t expect to cry and laugh this much. A must-watch!”
“This isn’t Dhoom or Ghajini, but it’s the Aamir we missed.”
Sitaare Zameen Par and the Rise of Film Tourism
Much like Dangal inspired fans to visit Haryana’s akhadas, Sitaare Zameen Par might do the same for sports-based community centers and inclusive sports arenas in India. Cultural cinema like this can ignite interest in travel experiences linked to real-life stories and characters. If you’re a film buff, you might want to visit shooting locations used for the movie once they’re publicly listed.
Final Verdict: Watch It for What It Tries to Be
Sitaare Zameen Par isn’t a perfect film—but it’s a brave, feel-good experience with its heart in the right place. Aamir Khan reaffirms his place as the storyteller of conscience in Hindi cinema. Watch it for the message, the performances, and the uplift in the second half.
Whether you’re a film tourist, cinema lover, or just want a weekend dose of human stories—this movie is worth your time.
