Against the backdrop of high expectations, Aamir Khan’s latest cinematic offering, “Sitaare Zameen Par,” is steadily charting its own unique course at the box office. While not fitting the typical “blockbuster” mold often associated with the Bollywood stalwart, the film has delivered a compelling performance in its debut week, proving that a strong narrative and Aamir’s star power still resonate deeply with audiences.
A Steady Ascent: Sitaare Zameen Par Nears ₹90 Crore Mark
With its initial week now complete, industry figures from Sacnilk indicate “Sitaare Zameen Par” has remarkably accumulated a nett India collection nearing the ₹90 crore mark, specifically standing at ₹89.15 crore. The film’s consistent draw was evident on Wednesday, its seventh day in cinemas, where it added another respectable ₹6.75 crore to its tally. Globally, the Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh-starrer has already soared past the ₹130 crore milestone, signaling a significant international appeal. As it enters its second weekend, the anticipation builds for “Sitaare Zameen Par” to comfortably cross the coveted ₹100 crore benchmark.
Outperforming Past Triumphs: Hunting Down Aamir’s Legacy
This steady ascent has seen “Sitaare Zameen Par” decisively surpass the lifetime domestic nett earnings of Aamir Khan’s own 2008 blockbuster, “Ghajini,” which stood at ₹114 crore. The team now eyes the ₹145 crore mark set by “Thugs of Hindostan.” More profoundly, it has also outpaced the lifetime collection of “Laal Singh Chaddha” (2022), which concluded its run at ₹61.36 crore. Notably, “Sitaare Zameen Par” has also emotionally and financially eclipsed its acclaimed spiritual predecessor, “Taare Zameen Par” (2007), a film that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions and starred Aamir alongside Darsheel Safary and Tisca Chopra.
Aamir Khan’s Unwavering Stand for Theatrical Experience
The film’s success carries an added layer of significance for Aamir Khan himself. Throughout the promotions of “Sitaare Zameen Par,” the actor made his unwavering commitment to the theatrical experience abundantly clear. He passionately advocated for longer exclusive cinema windows, even going as far as to reject a staggering ₹120 crore deal from various OTT platforms to release the film digitally within a year of its theatrical debut. This bold stance, prioritizing the communal magic of the big screen over immediate financial gains, underscores his belief in the enduring power of cinema and potentially marks a quiet victory for his vision.
Navigating the Competitive Landscape: Consistent Occupancy Rates
Navigating a competitive landscape alongside other releases like the Telugu-language action-thriller “Kuberaa” (which has garnered ₹69 crore) and the multi-starrer comedy “Housefull 5” (at ₹180 crore), “Sitaare Zameen Par” has maintained a remarkably consistent, albeit modest, audience presence. Occupancy rates remained steady throughout the week: morning shows contributed 8.22%, afternoons saw 13.56%, while evening and night shows registered 15.99% and 19.25% respectively. This consistency suggests a strong word-of-mouth appeal, keeping the film afloat even without explosive opening figures.
From Dyslexia to Neurodivergence: A Poignant Evolution
Beyond the numbers, “Sitaare Zameen Par” carries a profound narrative, delving into the nuanced world of neurodivergence. This marks a poignant thematic evolution from its acclaimed spiritual predecessor, “Taare Zameen Par” (2007), which sensitively explored dyslexia. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film once again sees Aamir Khan in the role of a teacher, but with a unique twist: his character is court-ordered to coach a group of children in basketball, reluctantly embarking on a journey that ultimately transforms lives. The ensemble cast, including Genelia Deshmukh, Gurpal Singh, Gopi Krishna Varma, Aroush Dutta, Vedant Sharma, Naman Mishra, Rishabh Jain, Rishi Sahani, Ashish Pendse, Samvit Desai, Ayush Bhansali, Simran Mangeshkar, Dolly Ahluwalia, and Brijendra Kala, collectively brings this touching story to life.
