Aamir Khan apologized to journalists for denying Sitaare Zameen Par’s YouTube release, saying he wanted to protect its theatrical run while defending the pay-per-view model over traditional OTT streaming.
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Aamir Khan Admits He Misled the Media
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has admitted that he deliberately misled journalists about the digital release of Sitaare Zameen Par, offering a public apology during a media event in Mumbai. The actor revealed that the film will now be released on YouTube using a pay-per-view model, allowing viewers to rent it for ₹100 instead of making it available through a subscription-based streaming service.
Speaking candidly, Aamir folded his hands and apologized to reporters who had repeatedly questioned him about the film’s online release. He explained that he had denied the plan because he wanted to safeguard the film’s theatrical performance. According to the actor, protecting cinemas has always been a priority, as his journey in filmmaking began with the big screen.
Why the Film Is Coming to YouTube?
The announcement has sparked discussion because Sitaare Zameen Par is arriving online just six weeks after its theatrical release. Addressing the concerns, Aamir clarified that releasing a film through pay-per-view is fundamentally different from launching it on a subscription-based OTT platform.
He argued that viewers on YouTube are paying specifically to watch his film, similar to purchasing a cinema ticket, whereas subscription platforms provide access to a large content library for a fixed monthly fee. Aamir believes this distinction helps preserve the value of theatrical releases while also offering audiences greater convenience once the cinema run is complete.
A New Distribution Experiment
The actor emphasized that he has no objection to OTT platforms but disagrees with the industry practice of releasing films on subscription services shortly after their theatrical debut. He maintained that the pay-per-view model does not threaten box office performance and instead gives audiences another legitimate viewing option after cinemas.
Aamir described the move as an experiment aimed at balancing the interests of movie theatres with changing audience preferences. His honest admission and explanation have sparked fresh debate about the future of film distribution and whether pay-per-view could become a viable alternative for major Bollywood releases.
