Sitaare Zameen Par had a fairly successful theatrical run with box office earnings around ₹160 crore. Now, the film has concluded its time in cinemas, but controversy surrounds its digital release strategy. Aamir Khan had initially stated that he would only release SZP digitally after six months, aiming to boost theater turnout and preserve the cinematic experience.
However, Aamir Khan’s strategy has completely backfired. Despite earlier praise for his firm stance on OTT delays, the actor revealed that the movie will release on YouTube starting August 1st—just one and a half months after its theatrical debut. Fans and critics have strongly criticized this decision, as it contradicts the promise he made and disrupts expectations.
Adding fuel to the fire, the YouTube release of SZP comes with a ₹100 pay-per-watch model. This has left fans disappointed and confused, as most viewers see little value in paying for a movie that will soon be available on pirated platforms or shared unofficially. Many believe this move will severely impact the movie’s digital revenue.
Though Sitaare Zameen Par earned decent reviews and its digital marketing was initially appreciated, this latest move might severely dent Aamir Khan’s credibility. Fans were hopeful that he would revolutionize digital releases, but this unexpected YouTube drop has only invited backlash. Instead of selling the rights to Netflix, Prime Video, or another major OTT platform, Aamir Khan chose a route that now seems counterproductive.
It’s yet to be seen how audiences will respond when the film officially premieres on YouTube with the ₹100 price tag. But as of now, Aamir Khan has not just broken a promise—he might have broken the trust of his loyal fanbase.
