Following Sitaare Zameen Par's YouTube release, Aamir Khan says 'I have nothing against OTT'
Sitaare Zameen Par is available to stream on Aamir Khan's YouTube channel on a pay-per-view basis. Recently, Aamir said that he's not against OTT platforms.
Still from Sitaare Zameen Par
Last Updated: 01.23 PM, Sep 14, 2025
Before the theatrical release of Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan declared that he would not release it on an OTT platform but would make it available in theaters only, as he wants cinema halls to survive. However, just six weeks after its theatrical release, Aamir released Sitaare Zameen Par on YouTube via pay-per-view for Rs 100. Aamir faced criticism from various quarters because he did not follow the streaming method and decided to release it on YouTube for 100 taka per view within just six weeks of its theatrical release. Now, in a recent interview, Aamir claimed that he is not against OTT platforms, but against the very short time gap of eight weeks between theatrical and streaming releases.
Aamir Khan says he’s open to streaming deal now
On the Game Changers podcast, Aamir Khan opened up about Sitaare Zameen Par's YouTube release and also OTT platforms. He said that he was scared of releasing his film on YouTube but claimed he had to fix the exhibition system that got damaged after the coronavirus pandemic, when producers began selling their films to OTT platforms to cover the costs of the delay. “I don’t want to blame anyone because their money was stuck. Not everyone can afford to wait this long,” added the actor-filmmaker.
He felt that good-looking films like Sitaare Zameen Par and Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies lose their theatrical space as audiences are more interested in watching them on streaming within just eight weeks of their theatrical release.. “In the short run, you can get away with this. But in the long run, this is going to bother you,” Aamir stated.
“The film should at least get a fair chance in the theatre. If the film is bad, it won’t work anyway. But if it’s a good one, it should work in theatres,” he added. The actor also claimed that, unlike other countries around the world, there was no pay-per-view system between theatrical release and streaming release in India because there was a lack of fast and efficient payment systems.
'I’d thought of releasing my films on pay-per-view back in 2011,' says Aamir Khan
Aamir also revealed that he had thought of releasing his films on pay-per-view back in 2011 after 3 Idiots. He revealed that back then, there was not enough reach, and the payment facility wasn’t very smooth. "As per their system, you had to call on a number, then stay on hold for half an hour, then increase the balance in your phone to access the film. No one can watch a film like that,” he explained.
"I have nothing against OTT. I watch on OTT myself,” he added. The actor also claimed he talked to several producers in order to make the pay-per-view model more common, but they’re a little scared right now. “I don’t blame anyone. I understand why. But fortunately, the film worked, so I didn’t have to face any losses. As we go along, we’ll only make more profits. We’re yet to sell our OTT and satellite rights,” revealed Aamir.
About Sitaare Zameen Par
The story of 'Sitare Zameen Par' tells the story of Gulshan Arora, a basketball coach who, after a series of accidents, is forced to train a team of intellectually disabled adults for a national tournament. The story of Sitaare Zameen Par tells the story of Gulshan Arora, a basketball coach who, after a series of accidents, is forced to train a team of intellectually disabled adults for a national tournament.
FAQs
Q: Will Sitaare Zameen Par release on OTT?
A: Aamir Khan has released his film Sitaare Zameen Par on YouTube via pay-per-view for Rs 100. This move challenges traditional theatrical norms and aims to leverage YouTube's massive reach.
Q: Is Sitaare Zameen Par released on YouTube?
A: Sitaare Zameen Par has been streaming on YouTube since August 1, 2025. You can rent the movie for Rs. 100.
Q: Is Sitaare Zameen Par a good movie?
A: Yes, Sitaare Zameen Par is considered a good movie. It's a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par and explores themes of empathy, neurodiversity, and embracing differences.