Sitaare Zameen Par box office collection: Aamir Khan film earns over Rs2.15 billion with no OTT release

Dubai: In an era where Bollywood blockbusters chase massive streaming deals before hitting theatres, Aamir Khan has done the unthinkable: he’s refused to release Sitaare Zameen Par on any OTT platform. And surprisingly, that gamble might just be paying off.

The actor-producer made it clear early on that Sitaare Zameen Par would be a theatrical-only experience — no post-release digital drop, no “watch later” option. The result? Strong weekend jumps, packed cinema halls, and a growing buzz that’s helped push the film past Rs2.17 billion globally in just over two weeks.

Directed by RS Prasanna, the film has earned Rs1.64 billion in India within 15 days. Add over $6 million from international markets, and the worldwide gross stands at Rs2.17 billon.

It is now the fourth-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025, behind only Chhaava, Housefull 5, and Raid 2. Trade experts believe it could overtake Housefull 5 if momentum continues.

What’s more impressive is that Sitaare Zameen Par has already surpassed the lifetime Indian collections of Laal Singh Chaddha, Ghajini, and is set to overtake Thugs of Hindostan. Only four Aamir Khan films have done better: Dangal, PK, Dhoom 3, and 3 Idiots.

Yes. And not just because of box office numbers.

The film, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, had reportedly a modest production budget of Rs900 million. With Indian theatrical revenue alone now exceeding that, Sitaare Zameen Par has comfortably crossed into hit territory.

Its third weekend saw a 140% jump in collections this Saturday, a rare feat that suggests sustained public interest. If this trend holds, the film could climb enter the superhit league.

Unlike most major Indian releases, Sitaare Zameen Par was never sold to an OTT platform. That missing chunk of pre-release revenue raised eyebrows in trade circles — but it may have been a calculated move by Aamir.

Theatres are benefitting from the exclusivity factor. Audiences know that if they don’t watch it on the big screen, they won’t be watching it at all. That urgency has boosted footfalls, particularly on weekends, when the film has posted jumps of 90% to 140% every Saturday since release.

Music and satellite rights have helped recover some pre-release costs, but more importantly, the film has owned its theatrical window without competition from a digital version.

Theaters across India have responded with enthusiasm. Aamir Khan was recently felicitated by cinema owners, who dubbed him the “box office ka baap” — a title that seemed unthinkable after the lukewarm response to his last two films.

This renewed theatrical focus, coupled with solid reviews and word-of-mouth, has clearly resonated with both audiences and exhibitors — a rare alignment in today’s fragmented film economy.

So kids, Sitaare Zameen Par is a certified hit — and perhaps more importantly, a strategic win. By skipping OTT, keeping costs tight, and focusing on storytelling and scale, Aamir Khan has reminded the industry why he’s still a force to be reckoned with.

It may not be his biggest film yet, but it might just be one of his smartest.