Aamir Khan Rejects ₹120 Crore OTT Deal, Releases Sitaare Zameen Par on YouTube for ₹100

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has once again proved why he is called “Mr. Perfectionist.” In a surprising move, Aamir turned down a whopping ₹120 crore OTT deal for his latest release, Sitaare Zameen Par, choosing instead to make the film available on YouTube for just ₹100 per view. The decision has sparked massive discussions in the industry, highlighting Aamir’s unconventional approach to distribution.

The actor’s bold move was also a topic of laughter at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025, where comedian Sapan Verma roasted him during his opening monologue.

Sapan Verma Roasts Aamir Khan at IFFM

In August, Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Jaideep Ahlawat, and other stars attended IFFM, where comedian Sapan Verma hosted the awards night. Sharing a clip of his opening monologue, Sapan poked fun at Aamir’s exhaustive promotions for Sitaare Zameen Par.

He joked:

“Aamir Khan, as we all know, was so good this year in all the 450 interviews he did to promote Sitaare Zameen Par. Sir, you did so much promotion at one point, I was worried. My doorbell rang, I thought you had personally come to tell me to watch the film.”

Taking it further, he mocked Aamir’s OTT rejection:

“Aamir sir made history, an iconic move. He has released this film directly on YouTube. I have heard that you declined an offer of more than ₹100 crore from an OTT platform for this move. ₹100 crore. You know what that means, right? Akshay Kumar’s monthly salary.”

The audience erupted in laughter, but the underlying fact remained — Aamir had indeed rejected a ₹120 crore deal from Amazon Prime Video to follow through on his vision.

Why Aamir Khan Released the Film on YouTube

Speaking about his decision, Aamir explained that this was a long-term plan under Aamir Khan Productions:

“This was the reason why I did not give away the rights of my film Sitaare Zameen Par, as this plan was in motion. Our plan is to release every film under the Aamir Khan Production banner on YouTube, after they complete their theatrical run. Each movie will be available at a minimal cost of ₹100.”

By doing so, Aamir aims to make cinema more accessible, especially for audiences who may not have OTT subscriptions. The model could also set a precedent for other filmmakers in the future.

About Sitaare Zameen Par

Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par is a sports comedy-drama and a spiritual successor to Aamir’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par.

• Cast: Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, and 10 debutant actors with special abilities.

• Plot: Inspired by the 2018 Spanish film Campeones, it follows the journey of a suspended basketball coach (Aamir Khan) who is assigned community service. He trains a group of players with disabilities, leading them toward an inspiring championship.

• Budget & Box Office: Made on a budget of ₹122 crore, the film collected ₹267.52 crore worldwide, making it a commercial success.

The film was praised for its heartfelt storytelling, humor, and strong performances, cementing its place as one of Aamir’s most unique projects.

Aamir Khan’s Excellence Award at IFFM

At IFFM 2025, Aamir Khan was honored with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award for his contributions to Indian cinema. His bold approach to filmmaking and distribution has kept him relevant even decades into his career.

Other winners at the festival included:

• Best Film & Best Director: Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound

• Best Actor (Film): Abhishek Bachchan for I Want To Talk

• Best Actor (Series): Jaideep Ahlawat for Paatal Lok Season 2

Why Aamir’s Decision Matters

Rejecting ₹120 crore is not just a financial risk but a statement. By choosing YouTube over OTT giants, Aamir has placed the audience experience above corporate negotiations. At ₹100 per view, the film becomes accessible to millions who may otherwise skip paid subscriptions.

This strategy could reshape how Indian films are distributed in the digital space. While it remains to be seen how sustainable the model is, Aamir Khan has once again proven that he is willing to break norms and take risks for the love of cinema.