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Aamir Khan’s latest film, Sitaare Zameen Par, has opened to an outpouring of praise across social media and early box office indicators, firmly marking it as a masterpiece and emotional family entertainer. Released on June 20, the sports comedy–drama directed by R. S. Prasanna follows a disgraced basketball coach who mentors a team of differently-abled adults—a remake of the Spanish hit Champions and spiritual successor to Khan’s beloved Taare Zameen Par.
Stellar Social Media Reception
On X (formerly Twitter), viewers have lauded the film’s emotional depth, sensitive narrative, and powerful performances. Descriptions like “masterpiece” and “movie with heart” frequently surfaced, with many suggesting that it surpasses Taare Zameen Par. One fan noted it as “an emotional rollercoaster which makes you laugh and cry at the same time”, highlighting how Khan’s performance strikes a perfect balance between humor and empathy. Another wrote, “#SitaareZameenParReview ~ MASTERPIECE! …SUPER DIRECTION…SUPER MESSAGE”, emphasizing its strong cinematic impact.
Audiences also praised the cast of neurodivergent actors for bringing authentic charm to the screen, gaining heartfelt applause alongside Khan and Genelia D’Souza .
Opening Day Business: Modest Start, Strong Potential
Box office projections show cautious optimism. Advanced tickets sold at approximately ₹6–7 crore net in India, with early-day collections around ₹3.2 crore by midday. Initial occupancies stood at 10–15%, with analysts highlighting that the film could grow significantly thanks to positive word-of-mouth. Trade insiders agree the final Day 1 collection could range between ₹6–8 crore, while estimates for ₹10–12 crore reflect strong backend growth from audience buzz.
Importantly, last-hour bookings surged past 10,000 tickets, suggesting early momentum and sustained viewer interest. Although advance overseas sales remain moderate, performance in South Indian metros and bilingual screenings may boost its overall reach.
Aamir Khan’s Calculated Comeback
After box office disappointments with Laal Singh Chaddha, Khan returned to full theatrical distribution—rejecting a reported ₹120 crore OTT deal—signaling confidence in the film’s theatrical appeal. His portrayal of a flawed yet compassionate coach has been praised by critics, earning 3.5/5 stars from Saibal Chatterjee (NDTV) and Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express), who called it a coach-who-is-a-jerk type character brought to life with full commitment.
Cultural and Emotional Impact
The film resonated deeply thanks to its heartfelt themes of redemption, inclusion, and hope, backed by a dynamic script and strong musical score by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy. Viewers celebrated its uplifting message, especially toward the differently-abled, calling it “a sweet, uplifting and well-intentioned film” and “a must-watch for every generation.”.
Contextual Industry Trends
Sitaare Zameen Par hit cinemas amid the release of Tamil-Telugu drama Kuberaa and the ongoing run of Housefull 5. Reports suggest Khan’s film is drawing audiences away from the comedy, reaffirming its appeal as a content-driven theatrical offering .
The Road Ahead
With overnight buzz high, the weekend could define Sitaare Zameen Par‘s trajectory. Trade experts hope it can join the ₹50 crore club if it maintains momentum: “It’s emotional and caters to family audiences, children, and specially-abled children,” said exhibitor Rajesh Thadani.
Khan’s decision to prioritize a theatrical release reflects confidence in cinema’s shared experience. If the film capitalizes on its potent message and strong word-of-mouth, it could reaffirm his stature as a message-driven filmmaker.
Final Word
Sitaare Zameen Par reinforces Aamir Khan’s legacy of thoughtful, socially relevant cinema. With glowing reviews, early box office promise, and heartfelt audience reception, this film stands poised to reclaim the actor’s position in India’s cinematic landscape. Its blend of sporty comedy, emotional resonance, and inclusive storytelling makes it not just a triumphant comeback, but a film with the potential to leave lasting impact both on audiences and the Bollywood box office.
