KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s eagerly awaited film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ hit theatres today. As it marks Aamir’s major return since Laal Singh Chaddha, trade experts have already begun projecting its Day 1 box office collection.

Will the sequel to Taare Zameen Par deliver a blockbuster opening, or will it rely heavily on word‑of‑mouth for success? Here’s an in-depth look at Day 1 projections, advance booking data, critical factors, and what experts are saying.

Advance Booking: Early Momentum Promising

According to Sacnilk, Sitaare Zameen Par sold 115,344 tickets across 9,542 shows in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu before release, generating ₹3.31 crore in gross advance booking revenue. Blocked seats pushed the gross total higher, with early estimates hitting ₹6.88 crore .

The Hindi occupancy ended Day 1 at about 16.74%, with Telugu and Tamil close behind at 17.7% and 10% respectively .

Trade Analyst Forecasts: A Range of Opinions

₹6–8 crore Range

Moneycontrol reports that, based on strong advance booking and glowing reviews, Sitaare Zameen Par is likely to earn over ₹6 crore on its opening day .

₹7–8 crore Estimate

A source quoting Times of India states that trade analysts expect a ₹7–8 crore” Day 1 collection, seeing a steady start followed by growth through word‑of‑mouth.

Wet‑Weekend Outlook of ₹12 crore

Conversely, veteran trade analyst Ramesh Bala expects a stronger opening, estimating the collection at around ₹12 crore (nett) by evening .

₹30 crore for Opening Weekend?

In longer-term forecasts, Taran Adarsh estimates a ₹30 crore weekend total, attributing success to Aamir’s galactic star power and growing audience buzz.

 Why the Projections Vary

Several factors influence these varied forecasts:

1. Aamir’s Recent Track Record
   His last two films, Thugs Of Hindostan and Laal Singh Chaddha, underperformed at the box office—a rare slump for the star. Many see Sitaare Zameen Par as his box‑office redemption, with its emotional and comedic tone aimed at different audiences than his previous hits.

2. Limited Promotion, High Anticipation
   The film’s publicity was more subdued than typical Aamir Khan releases, with emphasis on “pure theatrical experience” — skipping OTT release and avoiding morning shows to keep the aura intact .

3. Advance Sales & Early Occupancy
   ₹3.31 crore in advance booking for the first day definitely shows promising interest. But Indian film markets often rely heavily on weekend word‑of‑mouth momentum.

4. Solo Release Window
   Releasing alongside Housefull 5, now in Week 3, gives Sitaare Zameen Par near-exclusive screen access—potentially boosting earnings.

 First-Day Net & Gross Projections Summary

Directed by R. S. Prasanna, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, and starring Aamir Khan and Genelia D’Souza, the film is a sports-comedy drama. Inspired by the 2018 Spanish movie Champions, it follows a basketball coach who mentors a team of differently‑abled individuals .

With a 158‑minute runtime, a soundtrack by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, and Genelia in a lead role, the film also features 10 special children — a bold casting choice.

 Aamir’s Box Office Strategy: No OTT, Win In Cinemas

Notably, Aamir Khan declined a ₹120 crore OTT deal, insisting on an exclusive theatrical release, with no digital premiere planned. He even requested cinemas to avoid early morning shows and to maintain regular ticket prices through the weekend .

This strategy aims to preserve the big-screen experience and elevate audience impact.

 Early Audience & Critical Response

• Social Media Reaction: Enthusiastic responses from early viewers and critics suggest a warm reception across multiplex and mass-audience segments.

• Industry Buzz: Popular actors like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rekha, Vicky Kaushal, and Tamannaah attended screenings, lending high-profile support and stirring further interest .

 Final Verdict: Will It Bounce Back?

As of the first day:

• Opening Estimate: Most analysts peg Day 1 between ₹6–8 crore net/Ldav. Conservative take: ₹6 crore; bullish outlook: up to ₹12 crore.

• Critical Benefit: Unlike conventional blockbusters, Sitaare Zameen Par is built to grow—momentum is expected.

• Weekend Case: If audience response stays positive, weekend collection could hit ₹30 crore, as forecast by Taran Adarsh .

 Why You Should Watch This Story

1. Aamir’s Comeback: This film marks a fresh attempt at redemption after recent failures.

2. Inclusive Cinema: With differently‑abled actors and a heartfelt sports-based script, it’s a socially conscious venture.

3. Box Office Barometer: Its theatrical-only model may influence future strategies for the industry.

4. Weekend Watch: Box office performance in the coming days will show if it sustains growth.

Sitaare Zameen Par may have a modest start or a strong debut, depending on audience reception. But its real test lies in whether it sustains momentum through its emotional story and pure entertainment value. For real-time tracking of the Box Office performance, stay tuned to KKNLive.com.