KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan finds himself at the center of controversy yet again. His upcoming film, Sitare Zameen Par, has sparked widespread backlash on social media with the hashtag #BoycottSitareZameenPar trending across platforms. The outrage stems not from the content of the film itself, but rather from public perception of Aamir Khan’s silence over the recent India-Pakistan tensions and his reaction to Operation Sindoor.

As the online boycott gathers momentum, Aamir Khan’s production house has made a noticeable change that has only added fuel to the fire. Social media users claim this is a “damage control” move designed to counteract the rising negativity.

Key Highlights

• Sitare Zameen Par is facing online boycott campaigns even before release

• Aamir Khan Productions changes its display image to the Indian national flag

• Social media bio updated with a cryptic tagline: “Yahaan Alag Andaaz Hai”

• Netizens allege silence from Aamir Khan on India’s response to Pahalgam attack

• A post honoring Operation Sindoor by Aamir Khan Productions is labeled “publicity stunt” by critics

• The film’s trailer release coincided with rising patriotic sentiment

What Triggered the Boycott of ‘Sitare Zameen Par’?

The controversy began soon after the trailer for Sitare Zameen Par was released online. While many praised the emotional and inspirational tone of the film—reportedly focusing on themes of disability and childhood education—some social media users accused Aamir Khan of being silent on national issues, particularly India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

In April 2025, a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir killed 26 civilians. Following the attack, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK.

Critics argue that while many Bollywood celebrities openly lauded the Indian Army, Aamir Khan and his team remained noticeably absent from the public discourse.

Aamir Khan Productions Changes Display Image: What It Means

On Friday, fans and critics noticed that Aamir Khan Productions had changed its official display picture (DP) across major social media platforms—Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. The production house replaced its logo with the Indian national flag, a move interpreted by many as damage control.

Accompanying the new DP, the bio on Instagram read:

“Yahaan Alag Andaaz Hai”
(Translation: There’s a different style here)

Many users believe this phrase is part of the promotional campaign for Sitare Zameen Par, potentially hinting at the film’s unique storytelling approach. However, the timing of the update, coinciding with rising public criticism, led to accusations that the gesture was not genuine.

The ‘Operation Sindoor’ Statement: Too Little, Too Late?

Facing mounting criticism, Aamir Khan Productions posted a statement on social media acknowledging the Indian Army’s bravery during Operation Sindoor. The post read:

“Salute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor. We express deep gratitude to our armed forces for their courage, valor, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s safety. Thank you to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for his leadership and resolve. Jai Hind.”

Despite the strong patriotic message, several users dismissed the post as a “publicity stunt”, accusing the production house of trying to win back favor without genuine conviction.

Political and Cultural Backdrop: Why This Matters

This controversy comes at a time when national sentiment is running high, and any perceived lack of patriotism is being closely scrutinized. Social media, particularly in India, has evolved into a powerful space for political commentary, where public figures are increasingly held accountable for their silence or statements during critical moments.

Aamir Khan’s past remarks, including his 2015 comments on intolerance, continue to resurface during such debates. Many users perceive him as being “selectively vocal”, criticizing domestic issues but allegedly staying silent on cross-border matters or government-led actions.

What Is ‘Sitare Zameen Par’ About?

Although exact details are scarce, Sitare Zameen Par is said to be a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan’s critically acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, which tackled dyslexia and the pressures faced by school children. The new film reportedly explores themes of disability, dreams, and perseverance, with a more action-oriented or dramatic arc.

Industry insiders suggest the film was scheduled for a mid-2025 theatrical release, with marketing campaigns already underway.

However, the current boycott and backlash may pose challenges for the film’s commercial success and public reception.

Social Media Reactions: Divided Public Opinion

As the hashtag #BoycottSitareZameenPar trends, users are split:

Criticism

• “Aamir always stays silent when the nation speaks. Now it’s our turn.”

• “Replacing a DP with the flag doesn’t make you patriotic.”

• “Bollywood wakes up only when business is hit.”

Support

• “The film should be judged on its message, not politics.”

• “Aamir Khan has done more for education through cinema than most.”

• “Let’s not turn everything into political baiting.”

A Pattern of Online Boycotts

The boycott of Aamir Khan’s film is part of a larger trend in Indian cinema where films and actors are subjected to online campaigns, often based on ideological disagreements or past controversies.

Examples include:

• Pathaan (2023) – Boycotted over costume choices and religious sentiments

• Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) – Faced backlash due to Aamir Khan’s earlier statements

• Adipurush (2023) – Trolled for depiction of mythological characters

While some films weather these storms, others see significant box office impact.

Marketing vs. Messaging: Walking a Fine Line

The criticism surrounding Sitare Zameen Par raises an important question: Can or should entertainment remain apolitical?

In an age where stars are expected to voice opinions on everything from government policy to military actions, the line between cinema and activism continues to blur. For filmmakers like Aamir Khan—known for socially relevant storytelling—this expectation becomes even more pronounced.

Whether his national flag DP and patriotic posts will neutralize the ongoing criticism remains to be seen.

As the release of Sitare Zameen Par approaches, it faces a critical test—not just of cinematic quality, but also of public perception, political sensitivity, and timing.

While the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor has stirred a wave of patriotism, Aamir Khan’s perceived delay in response has created a credibility challenge. Whether the film will overcome the boycott trend or succumb to it will depend on how the narrative is managed in the coming weeks.

For now, all eyes are on Aamir Khan—both as a filmmaker and a public figure.