Aamir Khan’s latest project, Sitaare Zameen Par, has officially secured clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and is set for theatrical release on Friday, June 20. The certification came after a brief period of contention over two specific scenes, which the board initially suggested be altered or removed. However, Khan firmly opposed any modifications, defending the artistic and thematic integrity of the film.

According to sources close to the project, the dispute was resolved during a crucial meeting between Aamir Khan and CBFC officials on Monday. While earlier reports hinted at a potential delay in certification due to Khan’s refusal to implement the cuts, the film ultimately received the green light without any edits. “What cuts could they be asking for? It’s like asking for cuts in The Sound Of Music or Aamir’s earlier Taare Zameen Par. These are inviolable films, not a frame should be touched,” said producer Sheetal Talwar after viewing the film.

Sitaare Zameen Par is inspired by the Spanish movie Campeones and its Hollywood adaptation Champions. Directed by RS Prasanna, known for Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, the film is described by Khan as a spiritual successor to his 2007 critically acclaimed film Taare Zameen Par. This time, the narrative follows a former basketball coach, played by Khan, who is assigned to coach a group of neurodivergent adults as part of community service following a DUI conviction. The journey not only transforms the players but also reshapes the coach’s perspective on life.

Cast of the Film

The movie features nine neurodivergent children in key roles and introduces ten new actors: Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. Adding emotional depth to the cast, Aamir Khan’s 90-year-old mother, Zeenat Hussain, makes her acting debut, while his sister, actor Nikhat Hegde, also features in the film.

Backing the project is Aamir Khan Productions, alongside producers Aparna Purohit, B. Shrinivas Rao, and Ravi Bhagchandka. The screenplay is penned by Divy Nidhi Sharma, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya and music composed by the celebrated trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy. Genelia Deshmukh plays a significant role in the film, marking her return to Hindi cinema, and Darsheel Safary—who starred in Taare Zameen Par—also appears in the ensemble.

Despite earlier speculation that the CBFC was insistent on the cuts, a source clarified that Khan stood firm in his position, arguing that the contested scenes carried emotional weight and conveyed essential social messages. “He reportedly argued that the moments in question offered sensitive commentary and emotional impact that would be lost with any modification,” said a source close to the production.

BBFC Passed the Film with 12A Rating

Interestingly, the film faced no such resistance internationally. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) passed the film with a 12A rating, mentioning only mild references to discrimination and gentle sexual content. This contrast between domestic and international approval further spotlighted the CBFC’s initial stance.

Producer Prerna Arora expressed dismay over the board’s earlier demands. “It is so strange. All kinds of vulgarity and double meaning can be seen and heard in recent comedies. But Aamir Khan, known to bring to the screen cinema that does civilization proud, is being asked to make cuts. I am a hundred percent sure Sitaare Zameen Par is as edifying as Taare Zameen Par.”

The film is expected to open in approximately 3,000 screens across India, with advance bookings predicted to generate at least Rs 10 crore in sales. Industry experts anticipate strong word-of-mouth and positive audience reception, given the emotionally resonant subject and Khan’s reputation for socially conscious storytelling.

Now certified and on track for its June 20 release, Sitaare Zameen Par stands as a poignant blend of sports drama and social commentary, continuing Aamir Khan’s tradition of meaningful cinema.