Actor-producer Aamir Khan recently revealed that he personally bought out his partner for the YouTube release of Sitaare Zameen Par, staying away from the usual OTT route. Speaking on The Town podcast, Aamir Khan spoke about the project’s budget and also addressed how it performed on YouTube.
Aamir Khan on Sitaare Zameen Par
Khan revealed that the share of his initial investment in the film was Rs 96 crore. However, the amount escalated after his co-producer opposed his decision to forgo conventional streaming offers. “This film cost us $11 million (₹96 crore). I had to pay a price also because I had a partner with me earlier, and then they weren’t very keen on this rash idea of mine. They didn’t like me turning down money, so they preferred that I buy them out. So, the film has cost me over $14 million, let’s say between $14 and $15 million (₹122–131 crore) is what the cost of the film for me is,” he explained.
When asked about how the film performed on YouTube, Khan said, “It’s doing better. It’s doing way beyond what YouTube expected. I’m not allowed to give numbers, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to give any numbers right now. I hope that I make the money back, and right now both YouTube and I are separately promoting it on the platform.” He also indicated that his revenue share from YouTube exceeds the standard 50:50 split between producers and theatres, and noted that YouTube is now contributing to the marketing push.
About Sitaare Zameen Par
Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par is the spiritual sequel to Khan’s 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par. The 2025 film stars Khan and Genelia D’Souza in lead roles alongside debutant actors with disabilities. Released theatrically on June 20, the film collected Rs 267 crore globally before its digital debut on August 1 on YouTube.
Releasing the film on YouTube just six weeks after its theatrical release is a new strategy that is different from industry norms. OTT releases normally follow a six-month gap from the theatrical release. Aamir Khan had previously criticised early digital releases.