Actor Aamir Khan Apologizes for YouTube Deception, Justifies Pay-Per-View Transition
In the ever-evolving world of Bollywood, renowned actor Aamir Khan is set to make waves with an innovative move – a pay-per-view (PPV) model for his upcoming film, "Sitaare Zameen Par." However, direct search results on this specific model's impact on Bollywood streaming are scarce. Nevertheless, the broader context of Bollywood's streaming landscape and digital trends in 2025 can provide some insight.
Bollywood is increasingly embracing OTT (over-the-top) platform releases and hybrid release models, propelled by factors such as AI-driven filmmaking, virtual production, and content appealing to diverse, pan-Indian and global audiences [1]. This shift has led to a rise in content-driven streaming hits, with actors like Abhishek Bachchan finding success through multiple streaming projects in 2025 [2].
If Aamir Khan's PPV approach for "Sitaare Zameen Par" gains traction, it could inspire more leading Bollywood talents and production houses to adopt flexible, monetizable digital release models beyond standard subscription services. This could offer an alternative revenue stream by charging viewers directly per film, potentially increasing profitability for select high-demand titles.
Moreover, it could influence OTT platforms to experiment with hybrid monetization methods, blending subscriptions, ads, and PPV. This could lead to more exclusive and eventized content releases targeting discerning audiences willing to pay premium prices. The dynamics between theatrical and digital releases might also shift, possibly increasing the importance of direct-to-consumer digital premieres.
Such a model aligns with the broader trends of OTT domination and technological integration reshaping Indian cinema's distribution and consumption [1]. While the full long-term impact would depend on audience acceptance, pricing strategy, platform partnerships, and quality of content, Aamir Khan's reputation could lend credibility and market confidence to PPV as a viable Bollywood streaming model.
Aamir Khan's pay-per-view strategy for "Sitaare Zameen Par" is being tested on Voot Select, and the film will be streamed on YouTube starting August 1, requiring payment through a transaction channel similar to purchasing cinema tickets. However, it's worth noting that Aamir Khan has admitted to lying about the film's release on YouTube in the past.
Critics argue that the Rs. 100 rental price for "Sitaare Zameen Par" is less valuable than the Rs. 199-a-month subscription price for OTT services like Netflix. Yet, Aamir Khan's decision to use PPV could redefine how cinema is experienced in India. The actor has expressed contempt for the OTT subscription model, stating that it is damaging to filmmakers.
In summary, while the specific case of "Sitaare Zameen Par" on a pay-per-view basis is not extensively detailed, the current and projected trends suggest that Aamir Khan's pay-per-view experiment could be a pioneering move influencing Bollywood's streaming future by expanding monetization options and encouraging diversity in digital content distribution [1][2].
Movies-and-tv play a significant role in this experiment as Aamir Khan's upcoming film, "Sitaare Zameen Par," is being tested on Voot Select and will also be streamed on YouTube. The entertainment industry could witness a shift in digital trends with Khan's pay-per-view strategy, offering an opportunity for alternative revenue streams beyond standard subscription services.
