Sitaare Zameen Par: Aamir Khan may skip OTT route, eyes pay-per-view model for post theatrical release

As per the latest reports, Aamir Khan is looking at a pay-per-view approach to release his next film Sitaare Zameen Par after it has shown in theatres. The comedy-drama is aiming for a June 20 theatrical release.

Aamir Khan challenges 8-week OTT window

As per Hollywood Reporter India, industry insiders say that Khan is eager to break the current eight-week gap in which Hindi films appear on OTT services soon after their theatrical debut. The superstar has made no secret of the fact that this method lowers theatre attendance.

Khan is opposed to releasing his films straight to streaming following their theatrical run because he believes it deters people from going to the theatre to see a film. According to the source who informed the portal, the lack of a streaming logo on the Sitaare Zameen Par poster is also due to this.

Rather, Khan plans to make the film available for pay-per-view on YouTube around two months after it finishes playing in theatres.

Balancing viewer habits with industry needs

Many factors need to be considered in making this choice. Some people think that movies without many special effects are better suited for streaming services, so they avoid going to the theatre to see them. On the other hand, unlike with a subscription model, pay-per-view makes consumers feel like they need to act quickly since they have to pay for the film. Producers get greater agency over their material as a result of this consumer-centric strategy, which is good for viewers as well. 

An insider claimed that they will know details in the coming weeks, adding that Khan (who has earlier worked in remakes such as Ghajini and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke) is eager to watch how this plays out.

The superstar has tried to postpone OTT availability before. Laal Singh Chaddha was released in 2022 and streamed six months after its theatrical debut. The movie came out in August of 2022, but it took Netflix only eight weeks to get its hands on it.

About Sitaare Zameen Par

Sitaare Zameen Par is produced by Aamir Khan and directed by RS Prasanna, who has worked on films such as Kalyana Samayal Saadham (2013) and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017). In this comedy-drama, as part of his community service, a haughty basketball coach must instruct individuals who experience neurodiversity after he gets a DUI. As his teammates teach him new things, his prejudices start to melt away.