Just days before the nationwide release of Sitaare Zameen Par, reports have emerged about last-minute changes suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Though the Aamir Khan-starrer has now been cleared without any cuts, various media reports indicate that the board asked the filmmakers to make specific changes, including the addition of a quote by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the opening disclaimer.
According to Bollywood Hungama, the release of the film, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, initially faced uncertainty after the CBFC’s Examining Committee recommended several edits. Aamir Khan reportedly objected to those proposed changes, prompting a review by the CBFC’s Revising Committee, headed by theatre veteran and academic Waman Kendre.
Among the requested revisions, the Revising Committee reportedly instructed the filmmakers to replace references such as “Michael Jackson” with “Lovebirds” and “Business Woman” with the more gender-neutral term “Business Person.” A visual containing the word “kamal” was also reportedly flagged for removal.
Despite these requested modifications, the film was ultimately granted a U/A 13+ certificate by the board. The inclusion of the Prime Minister’s quote is said to follow the standard opening disclaimer that precedes the main feature.
Directed by R.S. Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par is scheduled for release on Friday, June 20. The film, which also stars Genelia Deshmukh, is the thematic sequel to the 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par, which was both directed by and starred Aamir Khan.
Early box office numbers suggest the film is off to a promising start. As per trade analytics platform Sacnilk, Sitaare Zameen Par has already grossed Rs 1.03 crore in advance bookings, with over 39,000 tickets sold across the country for its opening day.