Experimental cinema has long been part of Hindi film history, with legends like Dev Anand and Feroz Khan having tried their hand at it. Some experiments succeeded, others faltered. Aamir Khan, however, takes a unique approach—not only does he experiment with fresh ideas, but he also packages and promotes them strategically to capture attention. His latest film, Sitare Zameen Par, is a testament to this approach. For days now, Aamir has been vocal about how this project marks a new chapter in Indian cinema—one that may shape the future of filmmaking.

While classics like Mughal-e-Azam, Mother India, or Sholay were never made with experimental ambitions, Aamir’s endeavor is both brave and historic. Sitare Zameen Par is not a conventional film. Featuring more real-life characters than actors, it’s a challenging and meaningful project. Aamir aims to position himself not just as a filmmaker, but as a philosopher-influencer, akin to the impact of his Satyamev Jayate series.

Box Office? Not a Priority
Directed by R.S. Prasanna and starring Genelia Deshmukh alongside Aamir, the film is an earnest effort that disregards commercial box office concerns. Instead, Aamir’s focus is on reaching the very audience the film is made for. The movie portrays the struggles of disabled people and advocates for their inclusion in mainstream society, hoping to spark change from grassroots to government institutions.

A Hindi Adaptation of the Spanish Film ‘Champion’
Sitare Zameen Par is a Hindi remake of the 2018 Spanish film Champion. With a budget around ₹80 crore, it will release simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu as well, on about 3,000 screens. Yet, Aamir and director R.S. Prasanna are going beyond traditional release methods—they plan to launch the film on YouTube’s Pay Per View (PPV) model, bypassing OTT platforms. This is a bold and risky move on a platform known primarily for free content, raising questions about audience willingness to pay and concerns about piracy.

Aamir’s Longstanding Love for Experimentation
Experimentation is nothing new for Aamir. From his character makeovers to storytelling styles, he has often pushed boundaries. The success of Lagaan encouraged him to take more creative risks. Sitare Zameen Par blends elements from sports dramas like Lagaan with the emotional depth of Secret Superstar and Taare Zameen Par.

Aamir’s career evolution—from romantic roles in films like Ghulam to intense performances in Ghajini, and his foray into socially charged cinema like Peepli Live and PK—reflects his constant quest for meaningful cinema. Although not every experiment has been a hit (Thugs of Hindostan and Laal Singh Chaddha faced criticism), Aamir continues to push creative limits.

Will ‘Sitare Zameen Par’ Succeed?
All eyes are now on Sitare Zameen Par to see if Aamir’s latest gamble will pay off. Its success is crucial not just for the film itself but for the future trajectory of Aamir Khan’s career and the evolving tastes of Indian audiences. The film’s promotional strategy has been unconventional and deliberate, including sharing details about censored scenes to keep it in the news. Ultimately, the film’s fate now rests with the viewers, making it a significant test of both Aamir’s vision and the audience’s readiness for experimental cinema.