Aamir Khan Breaks Silence on Bollywood’s Box Office Slump: “We Have a Lot to Learn from the South”

KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, known for his insightful cinema and thoughtful commentary, has finally spoken out about the declining performance of Hindi films at the box office. In a recent interview with ABP News, the actor addressed what many in the industry have been silently wondering—why has Bollywood been consistently underperforming, and what lessons can be drawn from the success of the South Indian film industry?

The actor also shared insights into his upcoming film “Sitare Zameen Par”, a sequel to his critically acclaimed 2007 movie “Taare Zameen Par”.

 Bollywood’s Box Office Blues: Aamir Khan Speaks Out

In the last few years, Bollywood has seen several big-budget films flop miserably at the box office, even as South Indian films continue to generate both critical acclaim and commercial success across India.

When asked about this trend, Aamir Khan responded with a candid assessment:

“First and foremost, we need to make better films,” said Khan. “Our directors, writers, and producers need to evolve. The way we approach storytelling must change. Also, our current business model is flawed. We push audiences to theatres and then, if they don’t show up, we immediately release the film on OTT platforms. This has a direct impact on box office earnings.”

 OTT Platforms Disrupt Traditional Cinema Consumption

Aamir Khan further explained how the rise of OTT platforms has significantly changed viewer behavior. He believes that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward digital consumption, leading audiences to become accustomed to watching films at home rather than visiting theatres.

“People now prefer comfort,” Khan said. “During COVID, filmmakers turned to OTT for survival. But now, it’s affecting theatre footfall. I believe there should be a six-month window between a film’s theatrical release and its OTT debut to preserve cinema’s value.”

His remark comes at a time when many filmmakers opt for hybrid releases or quick OTT rollouts if a film underperforms, leading to a shorter theatrical shelf life and reduced box office recovery.

 Key Issues Aamir Khan Highlighted:

• Lack of innovative storytelling in Hindi films

• Weak screenplay and over-reliance on formulaic plots

• Immediate shift to OTT killing theatrical momentum

• South Indian films offering high-quality narratives and rooted storytelling

• Need for long-term planning and audience engagement

 South Cinema’s Rise: What Bollywood Needs to Learn

Aamir Khan acknowledged that South Indian cinema—particularly from industries like Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada—has consistently delivered content that connects with audiences across India.

From blockbusters like RRR, Pushpa, KGF, and Vikram, Southern filmmakers have managed to blend mass appeal with strong narratives, something Bollywood has been struggling with in recent years.

“They are innovating, experimenting with new themes, and respecting audience intelligence,” Aamir noted. “We have a lot to learn.”

Sitare Zameen Par: Aamir Khan’s Next Film

On the work front, Aamir Khan is gearing up for his next big release, “Sitare Zameen Par”, set to hit theatres on June 20, 2025. The film is positioned as a spiritual sequel to his iconic 2007 movie “Taare Zameen Par”, which focused on childhood learning disabilities and emotional growth.

 Key Highlights of Sitare Zameen Par:

• Directed by: R.S. Prasanna

• Produced by: Aamir Khan Productions

• Starring: Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh

• Music: Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy

• Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya

• Genre: Sports-Drama

• Release Date: June 20, 2025

In the film, Aamir plays a basketball coach mentoring 10 young students, serving as a mentor and guide in both sports and life.

Launch of New Talent

One of the most notable aspects of Sitare Zameen Par is its cast of 10 debutant actors, handpicked for their potential and natural flair. The newcomers include:

• Arush Dutta

• Gopi Krishna Verma

• Samvit Desai

• Vedant Sharma

• Ayush Bhansali

• Ashish Pendse

• Rishi Shahani

• Rishabh Jain

• Naman Mishra

• Simran Mangeshkar

This launchpad for fresh talent underlines Aamir Khan’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and storytelling through realism.

 Industry Reactions and Audience Expectations

The film industry has responded positively to Aamir’s comments. Several directors and writers have echoed the need for introspection and creative reinvention within Bollywood.

Trade analysts also believe that Sitare Zameen Par may mark a turnaround point if it combines nostalgia with relevance. Expectations are high, especially since Aamir’s last film Laal Singh Chaddha failed to leave a lasting mark commercially.

“The audience is no longer impressed by big stars or budgets alone,” said a Mumbai-based distributor. “They want authenticity and emotional connection—something South cinema has mastered.”

 Bollywood vs South: Where the Gap Lies

Aamir Khan’s candid remarks serve as a wake-up call to the Hindi film industry. With changing audience preferences, rising OTT influence, and strong competition from regional industries, Bollywood faces a defining moment.

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