Sitaare Zameen Par Box Office Collection Day 1: Aamir Khan’s Social Drama Opens with ₹11.7 Crore, Surpasses Taare Zameen Par’s Debut

Aamir Khan’s much-anticipated film Sitaare Zameen Par finally hit the silver screen on June 20, 2025, and while it opened to a wave of positive reviews, the film’s first-day box office collection tells a slightly mixed story. With early estimates putting its Day 1 earnings at ₹11.7 crore across all languages, the movie has managed to outperform its spiritual predecessor Taare Zameen Par, yet fell short of the lofty expectations tied to an Aamir Khan-led release.

Sitaare Zameen Par Box Office Collection Day 1: A Decent Start, But Short of Expectations

Film trade experts had predicted a Day 1 collection close to ₹30 crore, banking on Aamir Khan’s massive fan base, the emotional subject matter, and the film’s association with Taare Zameen Par (2007), a landmark title in Aamir’s career. Industry tracker Sacnilk reported that the bookings had already crossed ₹1.6 crore, indicating solid pre-release buzz.

However, the actual Day 1 collection landed at ₹11.7 crore, with ₹11.5 crore coming from the Hindi version, and ₹0.05 crore and ₹0.15 crore from the Tamil and Telugu versions, respectively. While the number is respectable, it falls below the opening benchmarks for recent big-ticket releases led by A-list stars.

Aamir Khan's comeback film, Sitaare Zameen Par, had a dull advance booking, and it took a slow start. But thanks to positive word-of-mouth, the film performed well in the evening and night shows.

Read here: https://t.co/1r1opwtx3h#DNAUpdates | #AamirKhan | #SitaareZameenPar |… pic.twitter.com/6ZXyRftzre

— DNA (@dna) June 20, 2025

Positive Word of Mouth Driving Weekend Hopes

Despite the slightly underwhelming Day 1 figures, industry insiders remain optimistic about Sitaare Zameen Par’s weekend performance. With critics praising the film’s emotional depth, performances—especially from the neurodivergent debutants—and Aamir Khan’s redemptive portrayal of a flawed basketball coach, word-of-mouth could be the key factor driving footfall in the coming days.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted, “Aamir’s current box office performance depends heavily on word-of-mouth since the promotions were kept minimal. The opening weekend could reach ₹30 crore if the reviews continue to influence audiences positively.”

Sitaare Beats Housefull 5, Impacts Box Office Dynamics

The film’s release also had a ripple effect on other titles at the box office. Notably, it outperformed Akshay Kumar’s Housefull 5, which had been holding strong. On the same day, the multi-starrer comedy earned just ₹1.85 crore, showing a steep dip in collections as Sitaare Zameen Par took center stage.

Aamir Khan’s OTT Decision: Theatrical First, Not Digital

Adding to the film’s uniqueness, Aamir Khan made bold choices regarding its release strategy. According to reports, the actor turned down a ₹120 crore deal from Amazon Prime Video in favor of giving Sitaare Zameen Par a full-fledged theatrical run. He also requested exhibitors to avoid early morning shows before 11 AM and to maintain standard weekend ticket pricing, avoiding inflated blockbuster rates. This decision reflects Aamir’s confidence in the film’s ability to pull audiences to theatres organically.

Plot Overview

The story follows Gulshan Arora (Aamir Khan), a temperamental assistant basketball coach suspended after punching his superior and being caught for drunk driving. Rather than serving jail time, he’s assigned community service—training a team of young players with intellectual disabilities to compete in a national basketball tournament. What begins as punishment transforms into a life-changing experience filled with laughter, personal growth, and compassion.

Alongside Aamir, Genelia D’Souza plays Sunita, Gulshan’s estranged wife. The film also features ten debutant actors with neurodivergent conditions, whose authentic performances have won widespread appreciation.

A Promising Weekend Awaits

Though Sitaare Zameen Par hasn’t roared at the box office on its opening day, the film has done enough to create momentum. With a strong social message, heartwarming storytelling, and an ensemble of unforgettable characters, the film is poised to enjoy a steady run, especially if it can capitalize on weekend family audiences and the ongoing positive word-of-mouth.

Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par may not have exploded at the box office on Day 1, but it has certainly found a place in viewers’ hearts. As the weekend unfolds, the real test will be whether this emotional, socially conscious sports drama can maintain its pace and deliver long-term impact, commercially and culturally.

Also Read:

Sitaare Zameen Par Movie Review: Aamir Khan’s Slam Dunk of Empathy, Redemption, and Representation