From Lagaan to Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na: Aamir Khan-produced films pulled from Netflix before Sitaare Zameen Par theatrical release

On June 20, Aamir Khan Productions' Sitaare Zameen Par will hit theatres, and Aamir Khan has already spoken out against streaming services. Reportedly, the superstar turned down a ₹125 crore offer from Netflix, explaining that the film will only be released in theatres and will not be available on any OTT or video-on-demand service.

Major Aamir Khan Productions titles removed from Netflix

The following Aamir Khan Productions films have been pulled off Netflix: Secret Superstar, Dangal, Delhi Belly, Peepli Live, Dhobi Ghat, Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Taare Zameen Par, and Lagaan. It seems like this is part of a larger strategy to pull upcoming Aamir Khan theatrical exclusives and films in the Taare Zameen Par franchise before they hit theatres.

But Netflix still has several titles from the production company. Laapataa Ladies, Laal Singh Chaddha, and Talaash: The Answer Lies Within are three films that are still available, indicating a selective retention approach that is based on previous digital partnerships and contractual responsibilities.

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Aamir Khan criticises rapid OTT turnaround for films

Khan brought up the example of Laapataa Ladies to illustrate his point about how quickly films are transitioning from cinemas to streaming services. Eight weeks after its March 1, 2024, theatrical release, it made its Netflix premiere. Khan has voiced his dismay, saying that the film's early OTT debut may have limited its box office potential, even though word of mouth was favourable.

Khan made it clear in an interview that box office receipts are a more objective indicator of a film's success than critical appraisals because they are an "unemotional" statistic. He continued by saying that there are no plans for OTT distribution of Sitaare Zameen Par and that it has remained a completely theatrical event.

Strategic shift away from OTTs

Khan's decision to reject streaming services' bids for popular films shows a new perspective on theatrical windows and challenges the dominance of OTTs. The cultural, emotional, and financial worth of cinema exhibition is being asserted by Aamir Khan Productions by rejecting a big Netflix agreement and removing older titles.

Only theatres will screen Sitaare Zameen Par on June 20.

Until further notice, Netflix subscribers can enjoy Laapataa Ladies, Laal Singh Chaddha, and Talaash: The Answer Lies Within as streaming options.

Aamir Khan upholds traditional cinema

For a long time, Aamir Khan—sometimes called "Mr Perfectionist"—has managed to keep his artistic vision in check with his financial success. His films, such as Dangal and Secret Superstar, have broken records worldwide. It looks like Aamir Khan is using his fame to promote more conventional filmmaking practices.