Aamir Khan’s much-awaited film Sitaare Zameen Par has officially opened in theatres with a strong start at the box office, collecting an impressive ₹11.7 crore on its first day. The film, which hit screens on June 20, 2025, has not only received a warm reception from audiences but also managed to secure the sixth-highest opening day collection for a Hindi film this year. This marks a significant comeback for Aamir Khan after the lukewarm response to his 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha, and it also signals renewed interest in emotional, socially relevant dramas that blend storytelling with purpose.
A Refreshing Story with an Emotional Core
Sitaare Zameen Par is a sports-comedy-drama that serves as a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan’s 2007 masterpiece Taare Zameen Par. Inspired by the Spanish film Champions, the story revolves around a disgraced basketball coach who is sentenced to community service where he must train a team of children with learning disabilities. The narrative focuses on acceptance, patience, emotional healing, and the importance of inclusive sports. With Aamir Khan in the lead, the film strikes an emotional chord with its positive messaging and uplifting performances, appealing to both family audiences and young adults.
An Unexpectedly Strong Opening Surpasses Trade Expectations
Despite the film’s relatively modest marketing campaign, trade analysts had predicted a Day 1 collection of around ₹7 to ₹8 crore, given the film’s genre and low pre-release buzz. However, Sitaare Zameen Par surprised everyone by raking in a massive ₹11.7 crore across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions, according to early box office estimates. This strong performance came as a pleasant surprise not only to the trade circuit but also to fans of Aamir Khan, many of whom were waiting for his return in a film that reflected his signature storytelling style. The opening day numbers show that audience trust in Aamir Khan’s choice of meaningful scripts still holds strong.
One of the Biggest Hindi Film Openings of 2025
In the context of 2025’s competitive Bollywood landscape, Sitaare Zameen Par stands tall among the year’s major releases. The film’s ₹11.7 crore opening day collection places it at number six in the list of highest Hindi film debuts of the year. It trails behind high-octane films like Vicky Kaushal’s Chaava (₹31 crore), Salman Khan’s Sikandar (₹26 crore), and Akshay Kumar’s Housefull 5 (₹24 crore), all of which belong to the action or mass-entertainment genres. Still, Sitaare Zameen Par outshines several other films and carves a niche for itself in a space typically dominated by commercial entertainers. In terms of genre performance, it is one of the highest openings for a family-drama sports film in recent times, which is no small feat.
Aamir Khan’s Consistent Box Office Legacy
Over the years, Aamir Khan has built a reputation for delivering emotionally powerful yet commercially viable films. From 3 Idiots to PK and Dangal, he has consistently balanced entertainment with social commentary. With Sitaare Zameen Par, he continues this tradition. Compared to his previous works, this film’s opening day performance matches his 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha, which also collected around ₹11.7 crore. Although it does not surpass the first-day earnings of 3 Idiots (₹12.99 crore) or Talaash (₹13.55 crore), it still signifies a remarkable recovery for Aamir after the relative underperformance of his last film. It reinforces the idea that quality storytelling and emotional depth still attract a substantial audience base, especially when backed by a dependable name like Aamir Khan.
Strong Advance Booking and Audience Interest
The pre-release interest in Sitaare Zameen Par became evident through its advance ticket sales, which touched nearly ₹6.9 crore, making it one of the best pre-sales for a family drama in 2025. Platforms like BookMyShow reported over 255,000 tickets sold on the opening day, placing the film among the top 5 Day-1 performers on the platform for the year. Audience occupancy across theatres averaged around 21 to 32 percent, with better numbers reported in urban centers and multiplexes during evening and night shows. This indicates that while the film may not have the footfall of a masala entertainer, it enjoys strong support from a loyal audience who values content-driven cinema.
Word-of-Mouth and Emotional Impact Drive Repeat Viewing
Initial audience reactions and reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film’s heartfelt narrative, sincere performances, and emotional depth. Social media platforms were abuzz with reactions from viewers, many of whom described the film as “thought-provoking,” “soulful,” and “a must-watch with family.” Influencers and public figures, including noted author Sudha Murty, commended the film for its compassionate portrayal of children with special needs, calling it an “eye-opener” for Indian families. The positive word-of-mouth is expected to fuel further growth in box office collections over the weekend, especially among family audiences and schools, many of whom are booking bulk shows.
Future Outlook: Will It Grow Over the Weekend?
The second day’s earnings saw a slight drop, collecting around ₹9.5 crore, which is considered normal for a Friday release transitioning into Saturday. However, all eyes are on Sunday, which could see a significant jump in occupancy, especially with children and families driving viewership. If the film performs well on Sunday and maintains consistency during the weekdays, it has the potential to cross the ₹50 crore mark by the end of its first week. Given the limited competition from other new releases and the lack of high-profile films in the coming week, Sitaare Zameen Par has a clear runway to expand its reach and collections.
Theatrical-Only Release Strategy May Be Paying Off
Interestingly, Aamir Khan took a bold call by not opting for a simultaneous OTT release, insisting that the film’s emotional storytelling needed to be experienced on the big screen. This strategy, while risky in today’s digital-first world, appears to be paying off. The film’s emotional core, combined with rich visuals and sound design, has resonated well in theatres. This also allowed the film to capture the family movie-going segment, which still prefers cinema halls for value-based entertainment. Aamir’s belief in the power of theatrical storytelling has once again proven that cinema as an experience still matters, especially for films with universal messages.
Why Sitaare Zameen Par Matters in Today’s Cinema
Beyond its box office numbers, Sitaare Zameen Par is a film that contributes to a broader cultural conversation. It brings attention to children with learning and physical disabilities and the challenges they face in a society that often sidelines them. By portraying them not as victims, but as individuals with unique talents and untapped potential, the film helps shift perceptions and fosters empathy. Aamir Khan has once again used his platform to champion inclusion, sensitivity, and social awareness, reminding us that entertainment can be both meaningful and commercially successful.
Sitaare Zameen Par has managed to achieve what few emotional dramas can in today’s market — a financially strong debut combined with critical acclaim and social relevance. Its ₹11.7 crore Day-1 collection, making it the 6th biggest Hindi opening of 2025, sets a solid foundation for a successful run. More importantly, the film positions itself as a beacon for content-driven cinema, proving that audiences are still ready to embrace stories that move, inspire, and uplift. As it continues its theatrical journey, Sitaare Zameen Par not only marks Aamir Khan’s triumphant return, but also reaffirms the power of films that speak to the heart.
