Actor Aamir Khan returns to the Lagaan village in Bhuj following a 25-year absence to host a screening of his film 'Sitaare Zameen Par'
Aamir Khan's "Sitaare Zameen Par" Screened in Rural Gujarat
Aamir Khan, the renowned Bollywood actor, recently returned to Bhuj, Gujarat, after a gap of 25 years. The occasion was the screening of his latest film, "Sitaare Zameen Par," in the village of Kotai.
"Sitaare Zameen Par," a Hindi-language sports comedy-drama, has been making waves since its release on June 20. Directed by R.S. Prasanna, the film is produced under Aamir Khan Productions and features Aamir Khan alongside Genelia Deshmukh and a cast of differently-abled actors.
The film, which conveys a strong social message about inclusivity and the empowerment of differently-abled individuals, has been a commercial success, grossing around ₹260–267 crore worldwide. It is a remake of the film "Champions," maintaining the essence of uplifting differently-abled characters through sports and comedy.
The screening of "Sitaare Zameen Par" in Kotai was a significant event, as it was Aamir Khan's wish to conduct the first screening in Kachchh. The event was held at an open space with a shed, and the entire village watched the film for just Rs 100. Aamir Khan himself sat with the audience, seated on the floor with the crowd, demonstrating his commitment to making the film accessible to everyone.
During his visit, Aamir Khan expressed his memories of 'Lagaan,' which was also shot in the same region, were refreshed. He also expressed his concern about the lack of cinema halls in rural areas and his desire for such screenings to occur in every village.
Aamir Khan's team had made the film available on YouTube on August 1, with the intention of democratizing viewership and reaching audiences beyond conventional theatres. However, there was an incident where viewers were mistakenly charged more than Rs 100 to rent the film on Apple devices via YouTube. Aamir Khan's team issued a public apology and promised to resolve the issue promptly.
The combination of the film's socially relevant theme, commercial success, and the choice to release on YouTube significantly bolstered its impact. "Sitaare Zameen Par" has raised awareness about differently-abled persons, provided entertainment inclusive of diverse actors, and enhanced accessibility especially in less urban areas through digital platforms.
Aamir Khan also shared his belief in the UPI scheme by the government, expressing his appreciation for its success. He interacted with villagers and school students during the screening, making it a memorable event for all.
[1] "Sitaare Zameen Par: Aamir Khan's New Film Makes a Social Impact." The Hindu, June 21, 2025. [2] "Sitaare Zameen Par: A Blockbuster Hit with a Social Message." The Times of India, June 25, 2025. [3] "Aamir Khan Expresses Concern Over Lack of Cinema Halls in Rural Areas." NDTV, July 1, 2025. [4] "Sitaare Zameen Par: Aamir Khan's Film Grosses Over ₹260 Crore Worldwide." Business Standard, July 5, 2025.
- Despite its initial release on digital platforms, Aamir Khan's "Sitaare Zameen Par" continues to make waves in rural areas like Kotai, offering both entertainment from the world of movies-and-tv and a strong message about sports and inclusivity in the realm of sports.
- Following the success of "Sitaare Zameen Par," Aamir Khan has shown an interest in exploring various forms of entertainment, including Bollywood movies and sports, to promote meaningful social change and reach wider audiences.
