Aamir Khan’s ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ Faces Crucial Test Amidst Box Office Fluctuations
The eagerly anticipated coming-of-age sports comedy, Sitaare Zameen Par, featuring Bollywood icon Aamir Khan in a pivotal role and directed by RS Prasanna, has hit a notable hurdle at the domestic box office. After a steady, albeit unhurried, journey through its second week, the film experienced its most significant single-day dip on its 11th day, a Monday. This sharp downturn now puts its ambitious worldwide target into sharper focus.
The Monday Meltdown: A Closer Look at Domestic Numbers
Monday’s collections for Sitaare Zameen Par plummeted to Rs 3.75 crore, a stark contrast to its second Sunday’s robust Rs 14.5 crore haul. This figure marks the film’s lowest single-day earning since its release, surpassing even its previous low of Rs 6.5 crore on its first Thursday. Such a drastic drop raises questions about its sustained momentum in the competitive Indian market.
Trailing Behind: The Domestic Box Office Race
As of now, the cumulative domestic collection for Aamir Khan’s venture stands at Rs 126.4 crore, according to industry trackers like Sacnilk. While a respectable sum, it currently trails behind some notable earlier releases from the year. Salman Khan’s action-packed spectacle, Sikandar, had already crossed Rs 129.95 crore domestically. Similarly, Akshay Kumar’s high-octane Sky Force soared higher, bringing in Rs 134.93 crore. Sitaare Zameen Par is clearly in a tight race to surpass these benchmarks.
Emerging Threats: New Rivals Join the Fray
Adding to the pressure, Sitaare Zameen Par has also begun contending with fresh competition in multiplexes. Vishal Furia’s mythological horror film, Maa, starring Kajol and co-produced by Ajay Devgn, has emerged as a new player. Drawing from the cinematic universe of last year’s supernatural hit Shaitaan, Maa, despite also experiencing a first Monday dip, has amassed Rs 19.9 crore so far. The battle for audience attention is intensifying.
The Looming Blockbusters: Upcoming Cinematic Showdowns
The landscape of the Hindi film market is set to become even more challenging this coming Friday, July 4, with two major releases poised to enter the arena. Anurag Basu’s much-anticipated romantic anthology, Metro…In Dino, is a spiritual successor to his 2007 cult hit Life… in a Metro. Backed by T-Series, this ensemble drama features a star-studded cast including Sara Ali Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Pankaj Tripathi. Its diverse appeal could significantly impact existing films.
Furthermore, the highly anticipated Hollywood epic, Gareth Edwards’ sci-fi adventure thriller Jurassic World Rebirth, is also hitting screens, with its Hindi-dubbed version expected to draw a substantial audience. Starring an impressive lineup including Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, its potential in the Indian market is undeniable. The success of Christopher McQuarrie’s Tom Cruise-led spy thriller, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which garnered Rs 29.68 crore from its Hindi-dubbed version alone, serves as a testament to the drawing power of such global franchises in India.
The Heart of ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’: A Story of Inclusivity and Inspiration
Beyond the box office numbers, Sitaare Zameen Par holds a special place, being a spiritual sequel to Aamir Khan’s critically acclaimed 2007 directorial debut, Taare Zameen Par. Produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, this film is notable for its commitment to representation, featuring a largely neurodivergent cast. It also stars Genelia D’Souza, Dolly Ahluwalia, and Brijendra Kala, lending gravitas to its ensemble. The movie is an official Indian adaptation of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones, highlighting its international inspiration. The dedication to authentic casting, as noted by casting director Tess Joseph, underscores Aamir Khan’s vision for this poignant narrative.
The Path Ahead: A Race to the Worldwide Milestone
With new releases on the horizon and existing competitors to contend with, the journey for Sitaare Zameen Par to reach the coveted Rs 200 crore worldwide mark will be a true test of its appeal and resilience. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Aamir Khan’s latest cinematic offering can overcome its current box office challenges and achieve its ambitious global target.
