Digital News Guru Entertainment Desk:
Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par: Art, Advocacy & A Standoff
Aamir Khan returns to the big screen next Friday with Sitaare Zameen Par, a heartwarming social sports drama directed by R.S. Prasanna. The family-oriented sports drama is confirmed to hit Indian theatres on Friday, June 20, 2025, with a runtime of approximately 2 hours 35 minutes. The Central Board of Film Certification requested two cuts just days before the premiere. Aamir Khan has refused to make any edits, leading to a certification delay. He plans to meet with officials to explain his creative choices. The British Board of Film Classification has already awarded it a 12A rating, noting mild references to discrimination and sexual content.
The Film at a Glance
Sitaare Zameen Par is a spiritual successor to Aamir’s acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, itself centered on neurodiversity. This time, it tells the true-to-life story of a disgraced basketball coach (Aamir) mandated to serve community service by coaching a team of players with intellectual disabilities — an official adaptation of the Spanish film Champions (2018). With a runtime of 155 minutes, the film blends emotional depth with social commentary.
CBFC vs Aamir: The Creative Impasse
A key source reports that the CBFC has asked for two cuts, deemed necessary to maintain “creative sensitivity.” But Aamir has outright refused, stating that every scene and dialogue carries thoughtful intent, crucial to the film’s message .
He is now set to personally meet with the CBFC Examining Committee on June 16 to explain his artistic vision, aiming to maintain the film’s integrity without edits. Until certification is granted, advance ticket sales cannot begin, potentially pushing back the release day.
Interestingly, the film has already received a 12A rating from the UK’s BBFC, citing mild sexual references and discrimination themes — but marking it safe for audiences with parental guidance. This international approval adds weight to Aamir’s resolve to preserve the original content.
The Co-Star & Casting Controversy
Making a heartfelt return is Genelia D’Souza, playing Aamir’s on-screen wife. Genelia calls the role “one of the most meaningful” of her career. However, she’s also used this platform to highlight the pervading bias in Bollywood — married actresses are often passed over for substantial roles.
In candid interviews, she shared that she auditioned three times for this part despite initially being overlooked due to marital status — a testament to both systemic bias and her own determination . As Bangalore Mirror aptly noted, “being married doesn’t cancel my talent”.
Complementing this narrative, Aamir has addressed their approximate 20-year age gap — noting that contemporary audiences no longer balk at such pairings, and acting talent transcends age limits.
Momentum & Expectations
- Emotional & Social Resonance: With themes centering on differently-abled individuals and inclusive sports, the film promises to evoke empathy and spark social dialogue — not unlike Taare Zameen Par. Author Sudha Murty has already praised it as an “eye‑opener”
- Box-Office Strategy: The film is primarily targeting theatrical audiences, skipping OTT platforms altogether. Aamir reportedly invested Rs 30 crore to secure full distribution rights across 3,000 to 3,500 screens.
- Certification Timeline: The June 16 CBFC meeting is pivotal — ahead of the premiere, industry insiders hope certification will be granted that day, enabling a smooth rollout .
Reactions & Industry Insight
The CBFC dispute has polarized responses:
- Fans & Critics applaud Aamir’s unwavering stance, calling it a principled defense of artistic integrity.
- Industry Voices warn of lost momentum — a delayed release could dampen pre-release buzz and thwart box-office performance.
Yet, rooted in Aamir’s trademark insistence on content quality over convenience, the film’s theatrical-only approach and outspoken challenges to censorship align strongly with his creative ethos.
What to Watch This Week
- June 16: Critical CBFC meeting to determine if a certificate is awarded.
- June 17–18: Advance ticket bookings likely to open — but only upon certification.
- June 19: Star-studded premiere night expected.
- June 20: Public release — conditional on the film clearing its remaining hurdles.
Final Take
Sitaare Zameen Par has the makings of both cinematic art and social movement: a heartfelt drama about differently-abled athletes, a return for Genelia’s strong on-screen presence, and a principled fight for artistic freedom. The looming certification battle may affect its timetable, but if release unfolds as planned, the film could leave a powerful mark on India’s cultural and ethical landscape.
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