Just two hours after the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, the reviews began flooding in—tearful, heartwarming, and overwhelmingly positive. The film, a spiritual sequel to Aamir Khan’s iconic 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par, seemed poised to create the same kind of impact—this time, with a new story revolving around specially-abled children and their dreams. Social media was instantly ablaze with comments like “Watch this film for the sake of those kids” and “It’s more than a movie—it’s a movement.”
But is it really?
While the emotional impact is undeniable, and the message certainly strong, some critics and insiders are questioning whether Aamir Khan has merely “played it safe” by choosing a subject that audiences would feel morally obligated to support. In fact, many are now accusing the filmmaker of emotionally manipulating audiences—using the differently-abled kids as a tool to drive sympathy, goodwill, and ultimately, box office revenue.
The film reportedly earned over ₹20 crores on its opening day, but here’s where things start to crack. Multiple reports from local exhibitors in Ahmedabad and Surat have revealed a different story. Morning shows of Sitaare Zameen Par were abruptly cancelled due to zero occupancy. Despite ticketing platforms showing “filling fast” or “housefull” statuses, sources disclosed that actual attendance was painfully low. A “shimmer” of success, as one insider put it, with little substance behind the glitter.
Sources suggest that inflated box office figures are being used to create a false narrative of success—a common yet controversial tactic in Bollywood. And when a movie carries a noble theme like this, questioning its authenticity becomes a tightrope walk. How do you criticise something that speaks about inclusion, acceptance, and compassion for differently-abled children without being seen as insensitive?
That, perhaps, is the most strategic part of Aamir Khan’s play. By framing Sitaare Zameen Par as a cause rather than just a film, he’s made it almost impossible for critics to express disappointment without appearing heartless. Yet, cinema, no matter how noble the theme, must also stand on the strength of storytelling, performances, and audience connection beyond the first wave of emotion.
The debate is now heated: Did Aamir truly believe in the story, or did he craft a narrative so emotionally shielded that it became critic-proof? Did audiences genuinely connect, or were they guilt-tripped into praise?
One thing is certain—the film has sparked conversations. Whether those conversations are about box office honesty or how we view social messages in cinema, only time will tell if Sitaare Zameen Par is remembered as a powerful film or just a powerful ploy.