Aamir Khan’s ‘Sitare Zameen Par’ Struggles with Advance Booking

KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is set to return to the big screen with his new film Sitare Zameen Par, which is scheduled for release on June 20, 2025. However, just a day before its theatrical debut, the film’s advance booking figures are surprisingly underwhelming.

According to data collected until Wednesday night (June 18), Sitare Zameen Par has managed to sell tickets worth just ₹54 lakh nationwide. With over 3,800 shows planned across India, the numbers reflect low audience enthusiasm, raising questions about the film’s initial box office performance.

Aamir Khan’s Return to Drama: What’s Different This Time?

Aamir Khan is known for delivering emotionally powerful, socially resonant films — from Taare Zameen Par to Dangal and PK. However, his last two theatrical outings, Thugs of Hindostan and Laal Singh Chaddha, failed to live up to expectations either critically or commercially.

Despite past setbacks, Aamir’s brand has traditionally ensured strong openings. But this time, even advance ticket sales are lagging, signaling limited pre-release buzz for Sitare Zameen Par.

Advance Booking Figures: Breakdown by Region

As per industry tracker Sacnilk, Sitare Zameen Par’s advance booking has been modest across major territories:

• Delhi-NCR: ₹13 lakh

• Maharashtra: ₹8 lakh

• Total estimated tickets sold: ~19,000 (till June 18, 9:00 PM)

• Overall advance collection (including blocked corporate seats): ~₹2 crore

The majority of bookings have been in the Hindi version, with negligible traction in dubbed formats. The numbers pale in comparison to what’s expected from an A-list Bollywood release, especially one headlined by Aamir Khan.

Comparison with Aamir Khan’s Previous Films

To understand the context of this performance, let’s compare Sitare Zameen Par with Aamir Khan’s previous big releases:

Even Laal Singh Chaddha, which received lukewarm reviews and opened during a controversial period, had 10x stronger advance booking than Sitare Zameen Par.

This has led to growing concerns within trade circles. Many are now speculating whether Aamir Khan’s box office pull has diminished, or if audiences are simply waiting for post-release reviews.

What’s the Film About?

Unlike big-budget action spectacles, Sitare Zameen Par is a character-driven drama — more aligned with Aamir’s earlier emotionally rich films.

Cast and Crew:

• Lead actor: Aamir Khan

• Lead actress: Genelia D’Souza

• Supporting cast: Arroush Dutta, Gopi Krishnan Verma, Vedant Sharma, Naman Mishra, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain

• Written by: Divya Nidhi Sharma

• Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

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• Background Score: Ram Sampath

The film is believed to focus on youth development, inclusivity, and emotional transformation, though official plot details have been kept largely under wraps. Aamir has always chosen scripts with a social message, which could still help the film gain traction through word-of-mouth.

Why Is the Booking So Low?

Several factors may be contributing to the tepid response:

1. Low Pre-Release Buzz

Despite being an Aamir Khan release, the promotional campaign for Sitare Zameen Par has been relatively muted. There were no viral trailers, chart-topping songs, or major press events that typically boost ticket sales.

2. Recent Track Record

Aamir’s last two releases failed to resonate with audiences, possibly dampening the excitement for his latest outing.

3. Overcrowded Release Window

The film faces stiff competition from ongoing regional blockbusters and international releases, affecting show allocations and audience interest.

4. Genre Preference Shift

Post-pandemic, Indian audiences have leaned toward action-packed entertainers or OTT-style thrillers, which Sitare Zameen Par clearly isn’t. The emotional drama genre, while impactful, often depends heavily on critical acclaim and reviews to gain momentum.

Can Last-Minute Buzz Save the Film?

While current numbers look disappointing, Bollywood has witnessed dramatic last-minute turnarounds before. If Sitare Zameen Par receives:

• Positive early reviews

• Social media support

• Strong performances and emotional impact

…it could benefit from word-of-mouth marketing, especially in urban multiplexes.

Moreover, Aamir Khan’s core fan base still trusts his storytelling sensibility, which could trigger weekend pick-up.

Industry Experts React

Trade analysts and Bollywood insiders are watching this release closely:

“If Sitare Zameen Par fails to pick up, it could mark a turning point in how audiences perceive Aamir Khan’s box office draw,” says a prominent distributor from Mumbai.

Some theater chains have reportedly reduced show counts for the opening day based on current booking data — a rare move for an Aamir-led film.

The slow advance booking for Sitare Zameen Par has cast a shadow over its potential opening day collection. But in the volatile world of Bollywood, especially for content-driven cinema, first impressions are not always final outcomes.

If the film delivers in terms of narrative strength, music, and performance, it could bounce back post-release. The next 48 hours will be critical in determining whether Sitare Zameen Par turns into a silent surprise or a commercial misfire.

Stay tuned for our day-one box office report and real-time audience reactions.