Aamir Khan is back on the big screen with Sitaare Zameen Par, a touching sports drama that highlights themes of inclusion, second chances, and emotional growth. Unlike his past commercial blockbusters like PK and Dangal, this film takes a softer, more meaningful route.
Directed by R.S. Prasanna and written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, the film tells the story of Gulshan, a hot-headed basketball coach sentenced to work with ten neurodiverse players. Initially reluctant and emotionally closed off, his journey is one of healing and connection—with his team and himself.
Though the plot is inspired by the Spanish film Champions (2018), Sitaare Zameen Par makes its own mark by putting authentic representation front and center. The cast includes ten first-time actors with intellectual disabilities, and their performances are nothing short of spectacular.
Story and Performances That Stay With You
Aamir Khan delivers a layered performance as Gulshan—a man mocked for his height and battling personal demons. Supporting actors like Genelia D’Souza and Dolly Ahluwalia add emotional weight, but it’s the ten newcomers who breathe life into the story. Characters like Simran Mangeshkar’s Golu, Vedant Sharma’s Bantu, and Gopi Krishnan Varma’s Guddu are crafted with care and performed with heart.
Their natural, unfiltered acting creates a sense of realism that is rarely seen in mainstream Indian cinema. The emotional beats are well-timed, and the humor is light but effective.
Box Office Collection Day 1: A Slow Yet Promising Start
According to early trade reports, Sitaare Zameen Par earned ₹8.87 crore on its opening day across all languages in India. With an overall Hindi occupancy of 17.73%, the film saw slightly better turnout in multiplex-dominant cities like NCR (23%), Jaipur (29.33%), and Bengaluru (21.33%).
The advance booking had already hinted at a modest start, clocking ₹2.5 crore prior to release. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh stated, “This is a word-of-mouth film. It’s not Dhoom or Ghajini. If public reaction is strong, it could pick up from Friday through Sunday.”
Sitaare Zameen Par Occupancy Highlights:
- Morning shows: 16.74%
- Afternoon shows: 16.25%
- Evening shows: 20.21%
- Tamil occupancy: 13.66%
- Telugu occupancy: 16.86%
These numbers, while not explosive, show potential for steady growth over the weekend if reviews continue to trend positive.
Trade Reactions: What the Experts Say
Film trade expert Girish Wankhede noted, “Sitaare Zameen Par feels like a classy, elite multiplex film. It lacks chart-topping songs and mass-market appeal, so I expect an opening around ₹7 to 8 crore.” His forecast proved accurate, with actual earnings at ₹8.87 crore.
He also emphasized that while the film won’t replicate the mammoth success of Dangal or 3 Idiots, it may still create a strong emotional connection with its audience. “If the word of mouth spreads fast, it could surge in the coming days,” Wankhede added.
The Competition: Will ‘Housefull 5’ Feel the Heat?
While Housefull 5 continues its strong run—earning ₹168 crore in total so far—it has started to lose steam. The release of Sitaare Zameen Par has cut into its screen count, especially in urban multiplexes. Taran Adarsh commented, “Housefull 5 may remain in single screens, but multiplexes will now favor Sitaare Zameen Par.”
Adding to the challenge, Kajol’s mythological thriller Maa is set to release on June 27, which will test Sitaare Zameen Par’s staying power.
Twitter Buzz and Public Response
Early Twitter reactions are overwhelmingly positive. Viewers are praising the performances, sensitive handling of disability, and the emotional storytelling. Many fans are calling it one of Aamir Khan’s most heartfelt films to date.
Weekend Prediction Sitaare Zameen Par: Can It Cross ₹30 Crore?
Experts predict a weekend total between ₹30–35 crore, provided the positive word of mouth continues. While this is modest by Aamir Khan standards, it would still be a solid outcome for a niche, content-driven film.
Final Verdict: A Film That Scores With Soul
Sitaare Zameen Par isn’t just a movie—it’s a message. One that says being different is not less. With sincere performances, a strong emotional arc, and an inclusive narrative, this is a film that deserves to be seen.
If you’re in the mood for a thoughtful underdog story, skip the flash and go for the feels—this one might just steal your heart.
