KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has returned to the silver screen with his much-anticipated emotional drama “Sitaare Zameen Par”, and early box office numbers suggest that the film has struck the right chord with the audience. Released on June 20, 2025, the film witnessed a solid opening at the box office, surpassing the day-one collections of over a dozen films released earlier this year.

While the opening isn’t record-shattering by Aamir’s own standards, it outperforms major 2025 releases, signaling a strong start and immense interest among cinema-goers. Paired with Genelia Deshmukh, Aamir Khan has once again chosen to tell a story that blends emotion, social commentary, and mass appeal—something that seems to be working in his favor.

Sitaare Zameen Par: A Promising Start at the Box Office

According to early box office reports, “Sitaare Zameen Par” earned an estimated ₹11.50 crore on Day 1 (Friday), making it one of the highest openers of 2025 so far. The figures, based on data collected until 10 PM on Friday by trade analytics firm Sacnilk, reflect the film’s positive reception among audiences and decent occupancy across multiplexes and single screens.

How Does This Compare?

• Sitaare Zameen Par (2025): ₹11.50 crore

• Kesri Chapter 2 (2025): ₹7.84 crore

• Jaat (2025): ₹9.62 crore

• Laal Singh Chaddha (2022): ₹11.50 crore

• Dangal (2016): ₹29.78 crore

• Taare Zameen Par (2007): ₹2.62 crore

While the opening is equal to Aamir’s last outing, Laal Singh Chaddha, it is miles ahead of his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, showcasing a significant growth in his box office pull, even in emotionally intense genres.

Audience Craze: Houseful Shows and Social Media Praise

From early morning shows, cinema halls in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata reported strong occupancy. Several theaters put up houseful boards as fans gathered to see Aamir Khan’s return to the big screen after a brief hiatus.

What’s Driving the Buzz?

• Aamir Khan’s brand of cinema that blends heart and thought

• Genelia Deshmukh’s return to a strong lead role

• Emotional narrative centered around childhood, family, and resilience

• Positive word-of-mouth and early reviews

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram saw a flood of reactions, with hashtags like #SitaareZameenPar, #AamirKhan2025, and #GeneliaDeshmukh trending within hours of the release.

Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh: A Fresh Pairing That Works

While the film draws its thematic roots from the 2007 classic “Taare Zameen Par,” this 2025 release is not a sequel, but rather a spiritual successor with a new storyline. Aamir plays a mentor-like figure once again, but this time the narrative explores different emotional dynamics and modern-day challenges faced by children and families.

Genelia Deshmukh plays a pivotal character, bringing warmth and authenticity to her performance. Trade analysts believe her chemistry with Aamir is refreshingly genuine, adding to the film’s emotional impact.

Trade Analysts Predict Steady Growth Over the Weekend

Trade expert Taran Adarsh noted:

“The film has had a respectable opening. Given its genre and emotional depth, the weekend numbers may grow further due to strong family audience turnout and word-of-mouth.”

Film critic and industry analyst Komal Nahta echoed similar thoughts:

“Aamir Khan has once again proven that content-driven cinema, when done right, connects deeply with the audience. Expect growth on Saturday and Sunday.”

Box Office Trends: A Strong Performer in a Weak Year

“Sitaare Zameen Par” has opened better than 14 Bollywood releases in 2025, signaling a turning point for Hindi cinema, which has been struggling to find consistent box office winners this year.

Many of the big-budget action flicks and star-studded comedies released earlier this year failed to impress, leaving a vacuum for content-rich dramas—a gap Aamir seems to have filled well.

The film’s Day 1 figures position it as a top-tier release in 2025, despite competition from regional films and OTT platforms.

Public Reactions: Emotionally Uplifting and Thought-Provoking

Audiences leaving the theatres have described the film as “emotionally uplifting,” “socially relevant,” and even “better than expected.” While comparisons with Taare Zameen Par are inevitable, viewers are appreciating the new message, updated storytelling, and relatable performances.

Some early reviews mention that:

The story is less preachy, more balanced

• It connects well with modern parenting challenges

• It retains the emotional tone without being repetitive

A viral social media post read:

“Sitaare Zameen Par isn’t just a film. It’s an experience. Aamir and Genelia deliver magic.”

Marketing Strategy and Pre-Release Buzz

The film benefited from a well-timed promotional campaign, including:

• Teaser and trailer drops that went viral on YouTube

• Celebrity endorsements on Instagram and Twitter

• School and college campus promotions focusing on youth

• Special screenings for NGOs and educationists

Aamir Khan also made appearances on reality shows and YouTube podcasts, discussing the film’s message, further increasing awareness among diverse age groups.

What’s Next for Sitaare Zameen Par?

The next two days will be crucial. If the film manages to grow by 15-20% over the weekend, it could cross the ₹40 crore mark by Sunday night, setting a new benchmark for content-rich Hindi films in 2025.

Given its emotional appeal and family-friendly nature, it is expected to sustain well on weekdays too, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where Aamir enjoys massive popularity.

Key Takeaways at a Glance

Sitaare Zameen Par may not be Aamir Khan’s biggest opener, but it is undoubtedly one of the most emotionally resonant films of 2025. With strong performances, a heartfelt story, and promising box office figures, the film is likely to enjoy a successful theatrical run.

In a year where Bollywood has struggled to connect with audiences, Aamir once again reminds us that authentic storytelling still matters.