Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has announced an unprecedented global digital release strategy for his latest family drama, “Sitaare Zameen Par.” Following its theatrical run, the film will be available on YouTube Movies-on-Demand starting August 1, 2025, making it the first major Indian release to bypass traditional streaming platforms entirely.
Priced at ₹100 in India and with region-specific pricing in 38 other countries—including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Spain—the rental model is designed to keep quality cinema affordable and accessible. Audiences will be able to rent and stream the movie directly on YouTube, turning their personal devices into a cinema screen anywhere in the world.
Directed by a yet-to-be-named filmmaker and co-starring Genelia Deshmukh, “Sitaare Zameen Par” features a unique ensemble that includes ten actors with intellectual disabilities, underscoring its message of inclusion and diversity. This approach not only elevates underrepresented talent but also aligns with the film’s core themes of love, joy, and the beauty of human differences.
The movie, often described as a spiritual successor to Khan’s 2007 blockbuster “Taare Zameen Par,” has already struck a chord with viewers, surpassing ₹250 crore at the global box office. By choosing YouTube—rather than conventional streaming services—Aamir Khan aims to break down geographical and economic barriers, ensuring that audiences in both urban centers and remote regions can experience the film without subscription hurdles.
Industry analysts view this move as a potential game-changer for film distribution in India. If successful, it could prompt other filmmakers to explore direct-to-consumer digital releases, thereby reshaping the post-theatrical landscape. For now, “Sitaare Zameen Par” paves the way for a more inclusive, audience-friendly future in cinema.
