Netflix offers ₹125 crore for Sitaare Zameen Par to counter Aamir Khan’s YouTube strategy
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Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, slated for a theatrical release on June 20, 2025, is generating buzz not just for its storyline but also for its unprecedented digital release negotiations.
According to a Bollywood Hungama report, Netflix has significantly raised its bid to acquire the digital streaming rights for the film, now offering ₹125 crore — more than double its initial offer of ₹50–60 crore.
The major escalation in Netflix’s bid reportedly comes as a strategic move to deter Aamir Khan from opting for a YouTube Pay-Per-View release model, which he is said to be seriously considering.
Industry insiders suggest that Khan’s push for an alternative distribution model has unsettled traditional OTT players. “The film's move to a YouTube Pay-Per-View model could disrupt the whole ecosystem. If Aamir pulls it off, it will embolden more filmmakers to go direct-to-audience via open platforms. This would mean streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon will now have to compete with a format that is cheaper, more accessible, and less exclusive,” a senior industry figure told Bollywood Hungama.
“For Netflix, acquiring Sitaare Zameen Par is no longer just about the film's potential — it's about protecting their turf. Aamir's audience reach and the credibility of the project make it a pivotal moment for OTT strategy in India,” the source added.
Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par is described as a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan’s critically acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. While the original featured Darsheel Safary and Tisca Chopra, the upcoming film stars Genelia D’Souza in the lead role and introduces ten debutant actors: Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar.
Produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, the film is expected to blend emotional depth with a strong social message, much like its predecessor.
