Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par crossing ₹200 crore worldwide in just 11 days is a notable achievement, but it also sparks discussion about whether it reflects a decline in his once-unrivaled box office dominance.
Compared to his earlier megahits like Dangal (₹2070.3 crore), PK (₹792 crore), Dhoom 3 (₹558 crore), and 3 Idiots (₹460 crore), the ₹200 crore mark, while respectable, feels modest for an actor known for redefining box office benchmarks. This milestone, with ₹122.28 crore net in India and ₹44.59 crore overseas, makes it Aamir’s sixth highest-grossing film, overtaking Ghajini (₹194.1 crore) but trailing far behind his peak performers.
This prompts reflection on whether Aamir has ceded ground in the industry.Several factors suggest a shift in Aamir’s box office stature. His earlier blockbusters thrived on universal themes and massive international appeal, particularly in China, where Dangal became a cultural phenomenon.
In contrast, Sitaare Zameen Par, a socially relevant sports drama, hasn’t matched that global frenzy, possibly due to its niche narrative or competition from films like Maa, Kannappa, and Housefull 5. The post-COVID market, with its preference for action-packed spectacles and fragmented audience attention due to OTT platforms, may also limit the film’s reach.
Aamir’s selective approach—focusing on meaningful stories rather than frequent releases—further reduces his visibility compared to peers like Shah Rukh or Salman Khan, who maintain a stronger box office presence.However, the film’s performance remains a positive signal. Earning ₹122.65 crore net in India and ranking among 2025’s top Bollywood grossers, Sitaare Zameen Par stands out in a struggling post-pandemic industry. Its success, driven by emotional storytelling rather than high-octane action, underscores Aamir’s unique ability to draw audiences with content-driven films.
With a ₹90 crore budget, the film is highly profitable, unlike many bigger-budget releases that falter. After the disappointment of Laal Singh Chaddha (₹130 crore), this marks a strong comeback, reassuring the industry of Aamir's financial viability.
In conclusion, while ₹200 crore is a triumph, it highlights a shift from Aamir’s era of global domination to a more contained success. To reclaim his former stature, he may need a universally appealing, event-style film with a stronger international push. Nonetheless, Sitaare Zameen Par proves Aamir’s enduring relevance and knack for delivering impactful, profitable cinema.
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