Aamir Khan’s much-awaited film, Sitaare Zameen Par, hit theaters on June 20, 2025, and it’s already making waves at the box office. The film, a spiritual successor to Aamir’s iconic 2007 movie Taare Zameen Par, has delivered a stellar opening, surpassing expectations and setting new benchmarks for emotional dramas in Bollywood. With its heartwarming story, stellar performances, and Aamir’s signature touch of meaningful cinema, Sitaare Zameen Par has captured the hearts of audiences across India. Let’s dive into the details of its opening day collection and why it’s creating such a buzz.
A Record-Breaking Opening Day
According to early estimates, Sitaare Zameen Par collected an impressive ₹11.7 crore nett across all languages in India on its opening day, as reported by industry tracker Sacnilk. This figure marks the sixth-highest opening for a Hindi film in 2025, a remarkable feat considering the film is not a typical masala entertainer but an emotional sports comedy-drama. The Hindi version led the charge, contributing ₹11.5 crore, while the Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions added ₹5 lakh and ₹15 lakh, respectively.
What makes this opening even more special is that it outperformed Aamir’s previous film, Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), which earned ₹11.5 crore on its first day. It also dwarfed the opening day collection of Taare Zameen Par, which minted ₹2.62 crore back in 2007—a different era when ticket prices were significantly lower. The film’s strong start is a testament to Aamir’s enduring star power and the audience’s love for content-driven cinema.
Why the Opening Day Numbers Matter
For a film like Sitaare Zameen Par, which relies on emotional storytelling rather than high-octane action or star-studded cameos, crossing the double-digit mark on day one is a significant achievement. Trade analysts had predicted a modest opening in the range of ₹7-8 crore, given the film’s niche appeal and the absence of a big festival release. However, the movie defied these projections, clocking over 40% higher collections than expected, thanks to strong advance bookings and positive early reviews.
The film sold over 1.15 lakh tickets across 9,542 shows nationwide, with Delhi NCR leading the charge at ₹1.32 crore in advance bookings, followed by Mumbai at ₹83.14 lakh. The Hindi belt saw an overall occupancy of 21.43%, with night shows drawing the highest crowds at 32.5%. Jaipur recorded the highest regional occupancy at 29.33%, reflecting the film’s strong appeal in urban centers.
The Power of Aamir Khan’s Brand
Aamir Khan, often called Bollywood’s “Mr. Perfectionist,” has a track record of delivering films that resonate deeply with audiences. From Dangal to 3 Idiots, his movies are known for blending entertainment with social messages. Sitaare Zameen Par continues this legacy, telling the story of a brash basketball coach (played by Aamir) who transforms while training a team of players with intellectual disabilities for a national tournament. The film’s emotional depth, combined with its light-hearted moments, has struck a chord with viewers.
Aamir’s decision to release the film exclusively in theaters, bypassing OTT platforms, also played a key role in driving footfalls. He actively promoted the movie as a big-screen experience, urging fans to watch it in cinemas. This strategy, coupled with discounted tickets and group bookings from schools, boosted the opening day numbers. The presence of Aamir’s loyal fanbase, especially in metro cities and multiplexes, ensured a strong start.
Positive Word-of-Mouth Fuels Growth
While the opening day figures are impressive, what sets Sitaare Zameen Par apart is its potential for long-term success. Unlike mass entertainers that rely on a big opening weekend, this film is a “word-of-mouth” movie, much like Taare Zameen Par. Early reviews from critics and audiences have been overwhelmingly positive, praising Aamir’s committed performance, the heartwarming story, and the stellar debut of 10 specially-abled actors.
Trade analyst Sumit Kadel called it the “finest film of 2025,” highlighting its powerful perspective on neurodivergent individuals. Social media is abuzz with praise, with netizens describing it as an “emotional rollercoaster” that brings “hope and heart.” The film’s ability to balance humor, compassion, and a strong message has resonated with family audiences, who are expected to drive collections over the weekend.
By Saturday afternoon, the film had already earned ₹2.32 crore, taking its total to ₹13.02 crore. Experts predict a 100-120% jump in collections on Saturday and Sunday, potentially pushing the opening weekend to ₹55 crore. With minimal competition at the box office—outpacing Housefull 5, which earned just ₹1.85 crore on its 16th day—Sitaare Zameen Par has a clear runway to shine.
A Star-Studded Premiere and Industry Support
The film’s grand premiere in Mumbai was a star-studded affair, attended by Bollywood heavyweights like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Vicky Kaushal, and Rekha. Shah Rukh’s warm interaction with the debutant actors, including a viral moment where he struck his signature open-arms pose, added to the film’s buzz. The industry’s support, combined with heartfelt reviews from celebrities like Darsheel Safary (of Taare Zameen Par fame), has amplified its appeal.
Overseas Performance and Global Appeal
While domestic collections are stealing the spotlight, Sitaare Zameen Par is also making its mark overseas. Early estimates suggest it earned ₹7.15 crore internationally on day one, taking its worldwide gross to ₹20 crore. Aamir’s global fanbase, built through hits like Dangal and PK, ensures the film will continue to perform well in markets like North America, the UK, and Australia.
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