Bollywood actor and producer Aamir Khan has announced that his latest hit film, Sitaare Zameen Par, will premiere globally on YouTube's movies-on-demand platform starting August 1, 2025, right after its theatrical release. This move bypasses traditional OTT platforms, making it the only digital platform where the film will be available. The decision is aimed at ensuring affordable access to quality cinema across the world.
Aamir called this distribution strategy a "bold new approach" to reach a wider audience by offering the film directly on YouTube at a pocket-friendly price. Viewers in India can rent the movie for ₹100, while those in 38 countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany will have access at localized prices. The film, available with subtitles and dubbed versions, seeks to break language and geographic barriers.
Directed by RS Prasanna and written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, the movie features Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, and introduces ten actors with intellectual disabilities. The film, which many consider a spiritual follow-up to Aamir’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, focuses on love, laughter, and inclusivity. It has already earned over ₹250 crore globally, becoming one of 2025’s biggest successes.
In his official statement, Aamir expressed that his long-standing dream of making cinema more accessible is finally taking shape. He said, “For the past 15 years I have been struggling with the challenge of how to reach audiences who do not have geographical access to theatres… Finally, the time for the perfect storm has come.”
He credited India’s surge in digital payments, widespread internet, and YouTube’s presence on most devices as the key enablers. Aamir emphasized his desire for people to watch films “when they want, where they want” and believes that this method could allow new storytellers to thrive without limitations.
Gunjan Soni, YouTube India’s Country Managing Director, said this partnership reflects a “significant step towards democratizing Indian film distribution.” She added, “YouTube is laying out the red carpet for Indian cinema to stride onto the global stage.”
Backed by data from Comscore, YouTube claims to reach 80% of India’s 18+ internet users, and globally, entertainment content on the platform garners 7.5 billion daily views. This makes YouTube an ideal platform for direct-to-audience film releases.
Aamir Khan is also producing two upcoming films under his banner—Lahore 1947, featuring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, and Ek Din, starring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi.
