By Sam, Professional Journalist
Mumbai, July 10, 2025 — Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh’s Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual sequel to the iconic Taare Zameen Par (2007), continues to resonate with audiences, maintaining a steady performance at the box office on its 22nd day since its release on June 20, 2025. Directed by R.S. Prasanna and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the sports comedy-drama has captivated viewers with its heartfelt narrative and strong social message about inclusivity. Despite facing competition from new releases like Kajol’s Maa and Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa, the film’s box office collections reflect its enduring appeal. Below, we explore the Day 22 box office figures, the film’s overall performance, and its cultural impact.
Day 22 Box Office Collection
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Sitaare Zameen Par earned an estimated ₹0.73 crore India net on its 22nd day (July 11, 2025) across all languages, bringing its total India net collection to approximately ₹152.69 crore. The film’s worldwide gross stands at ₹235.35 crore, with ₹53.75 crore from overseas markets and ₹181.6 crore gross in India. On Day 22, the film recorded an overall Hindi occupancy of 8.76%, with morning shows at 6.31%, afternoon shows at 8.85%, evening shows at 10.72%, and night shows at 9.16%. Tamil and Telugu occupancies were lower, at 8.12% and 7.89%, respectively, reflecting the film’s stronger pull in Hindi-speaking regions.
The steady, albeit modest, Day 22 collection underscores the film’s reliance on positive word-of-mouth and urban center traction, particularly in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Posts on X highlight sustained interest, with one user noting, “#SitaareZameenPar still pulling crowds in metros on weekdays, a testament to Aamir’s storytelling magic.”
A Stellar Journey at the Box Office
Sitaare Zameen Par opened with ₹10.7 crore net in India on June 20, 2025, and saw a remarkable 86–103% jump on Day 2, collecting ₹19.9–21.7 crore, driven by strong weekend buzz. The opening weekend netted ₹57.3 crore, with the first week closing at ₹89.15 crore. The film crossed the ₹100 crore mark on Day 9 (June 28), earning ₹12.6–12.75 crore, a 92% jump from the previous day, outperforming competitors like Kesari Chapter 2 (lifetime ₹92.53 crore). By Day 20, the India net collection reached ₹151.96 crore, with worldwide figures nearing ₹235 crore.
The film’s performance has been bolstered by Aamir Khan’s star power and its emotional narrative, centered on Gulshan Arora (played by Khan), a disgraced basketball coach who transforms while coaching a team of neurodivergent athletes. The ensemble cast, including Genelia Deshmukh as Sunita, and debutants Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishnan Varma, and others, has been praised for authenticity. The Times of India gave the film 3.5/5, noting, “Aamir Khan stands out as the brash, initially insensitive coach… The ensemble cast deserves applause for bringing energy and warmth.”
Competitive Landscape and Strategic Release
Sitaare Zameen Par has faced stiff competition from new releases, including Maa (₹6.2 crore on Day 2) and Kannappa (₹7 crore on Day 2), yet it maintained its lead as the top-collecting film on several days. Its exclusive theatrical release strategy, forgoing an immediate OTT rollout, has paid dividends, with collections surpassing Laal Singh Chaddha’s lifetime ₹89 crore and Kesari Chapter 2. Aamir’s bold move was lauded by trade analyst Sumit Kadel, who gave the film 4 stars, calling it a “justified sequel” that “celebrates humanity.”
The film’s success is also attributed to innovative strategies, such as discounted ticket pricing on weekdays (e.g., July 1), which boosted footfalls. A special screening attended by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan further elevated its profile, with the President’s X handle praising its social message.
Cultural and Social Impact
A Hindi remake of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones, Sitaare Zameen Par tackles intellectual disability with humor and heart, avoiding the pitfalls of melodrama. The Indian Express noted, “Borrowing the tone from the original, Sitaare Zameen Par chooses to stay on the side of laughter, a wise decision.” The inclusion of 10 neurodivergent debutant actors has been a highlight, with X users calling their performances “authentic and inspiring.”
The film’s narrative resonates with audiences, portraying personal growth and inclusivity through Gulshan’s journey from arrogance to empathy. Posts on X reflect this sentiment: “#SitaareZameenPar makes you laugh, cry, and rethink how we treat special children. Aamir delivers again.” Its social message has sparked conversations, with trade analyst Taran Adarsh noting its “steady grip at urban centres” and potential to surpass Sikandar’s ₹185 crore gross.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its success, Sitaare Zameen Par faced a slow start and weekday dips, with Day 4 earning ₹8.5 crore (a 60% drop from the weekend) and Day 11–12 collections at ₹3.75 crore each. The second half’s stronger pacing, compared to a “slow” first half, has been critical to its word-of-mouth success. The film’s budget remains undisclosed, but its verdict is pending, with Sacnilk suggesting it’s on track for a “hit” status given its consistent performance.
Looking ahead, the film’s theatrical exclusivity may extend its run, though competition from upcoming releases like Metro… In Dino could challenge its momentum. Its overseas performance (6 million USD) remains robust, particularly in the US and UK, where Aamir’s fanbase is strong.
Conclusion
Sitaare Zameen Par’s Day 22 collection of ₹0.73 crore reflects its resilience in a competitive market, with a total India net of ₹152.69 crore and a worldwide gross of ₹235.35 crore. Aamir Khan’s return after Laal Singh Chaddha has reaffirmed his box office prowess, while the film’s inclusive narrative and debutant cast have won hearts. As it continues its theatrical run, fans are urged to support it in cinemas to honor its message and counter piracy, a persistent industry threat. With strong urban traction and critical acclaim, Sitaare Zameen Par is poised to leave a lasting legacy in Bollywood’s 2025 landscape.
Sources: Sacnilk, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Indian Express, Live Mint, Koimoi, Bollywood Hungama