Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 7: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is all set to return to the silver screen after a three-year hiatus with his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, which is eyeing an exclusive theatrical release on June 20. The actor has firmly decided against an immediate OTT release, opting instead to bring audiences back to cinemas.

Speaking about the decision, Aamir revealed that legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan motivated him to take the bold step of staying committed to a theatre-only release. “I am a loyalist of cinema, and I believe in it,” Aamir said, acknowledging the financial risks involved. “Yes, it’s a big risk, and there’s a lot involved. If I don’t get that chunk of my pre-sales, and the film doesn’t work, it could lead to a major loss. But I want audiences to go to theatres and watch my film. I believe in cinema, and I believe in my audience,” he added.

Aamir also clarified that he has no issue with OTT platforms but finds it illogical that films are released in theatres and appear online within weeks. “I received several offers, but I turned them down,” he said.

Sitaare Zameen Par is described as a spiritual sequel to the 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film is an official remake of the Spanish film Campeones. Aamir plays a basketball coach who trains a team of players with special needs.

Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the film will also introduce ten fresh faces: Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar.

The industry is now keenly watching to see if Aamir’s theatre-only gamble will pay off.