Aamir Khan announced on Tuesday that his film Sitaare Zameen Par will be released on YouTube on August 1 using a pay-per-view model priced at Rs 100. The actor revealed that despite receiving a Rs 125 crore offer from an OTT platform for the streaming rights, he opted to bypass that route in favor of a direct-to-audience approach.
Aamir Khan’s Confidence in Pay-Per-View Over OTT Platforms
<pAt a press conference, Aamir confirmed talks of the Rs 125 crore OTT deal, acknowledging the numbers were accurate but expressing his belief in the pay-per-view system. He stated,
“Your numbers are in the ballpark. But I have a lot of confidence in (pay-per-view) model. I don’t want Rs 125 crore of a big company, I want Rs 100 from the audience of our country.”
Khan emphasized his trust in both his work and his viewers, adding,
“I trust my work and I trust my audience. If my work is worth it, the audience will first watch the film in theatre and then watch it on YouTube on pay per view,”
reflecting his strategy to balance theatrical and online revenues.
Concerns Over OTT Releases and Theatrical Impact
Khan expressed reservations about the common OTT practice of streaming movies eight weeks after their theatrical release, stating it negatively impacts cinemas. He said,
“The OTT model of releasing the film on streaming eight weeks after its theatrical run doesn’t sit well with me. Cinema gets hurt by it. Such a deal will benefit only me. I can’t do it. It’ll affect the industry in the long run. Hence, I refused.”
This decision highlights his commitment to protecting the traditional film exhibition industry despite the lucrative OTT offers.
Earlier Denials, Now Transparency About Distribution Plans
During previous promotional activities for Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir had denied reports about opting for a pay-per-view release on YouTube, explaining later with a smile,
“I am sorry, I lied, I had to protect the film’s theatrical business hence I couldn’t comment on the matter at the time.”
This candid admission underscores the tension between safeguarding theatrical interests and adapting to new digital distribution methods.
Film Overview and Creative Team
Directed by RS Prasanna and scripted by Divy Nidhi Sharma, Sitaare Zameen Par features Aamir Khan alongside Genelia Deshmukh and introduces ten new actors. The film’s release strategy and content are highly anticipated, given Khan’s distinctive approach to distribution and audience engagement.
