Sitaare Zameen Par’s YouTube Pay-Per-View release did 20x normal biz: Aamir Khan

In a recent podcast, Aamir Khan has said that he is not against OTT but seeks longer theatrical window

by e4m Staff
Published: Sep 15, 2025 12:31 PM | 2 min read

Actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan has said in a recent show that he is not opposed to OTT platforms but to the current eight-week gap between theatrical and streaming releases, which he believes discourages audiences from watching good films in cinemas.

Khan was speaking about his decision to release ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ on YouTube’s pay-per-view within six weeks of its theatrical debut — despite a reported ₹125-crore streaming offer. He said the move aimed to “fix the exhibition system” weakened during the pandemic, when producers rushed films to OTT to recover costs.

Aamir Khan had raised this grievance in an exclusive interview to e4m in June.

According to Khan, while OTT platforms collectively reach only 3-4 crore viewers in India, YouTube reaches 50-60 crore daily, making it a stronger interim platform. He also highlighted India’s limited theatrical infrastructure — about 9,000 screens versus China’s 100,000 — and called for easier licensing to open more theatres, especially in underserved districts.

Further in the show, Aamir revealed that although the pay-per-view model is still “nascent” but it has done “20 times the normal business” despite YouTube not disclosing view counts.

Read earlier report

“I have nothing against OTT. I watch OTT myself,” Khan was quoted as saying. “My issue is with the short window. The film should at least get a fair chance in the theatre before streaming.”

While releasing the movie on YouTube, Aamir had said: "For the past 15 years I have been struggling with the challenge of how to reach audiences who do not have geographical access to theatres, or those who are unable to make it to theatres for various reasons. Finally the time for the perfect storm has come... If this idea works, creative voices can tell different stories breaking geographical and other barriers. This will also be a great opportunity for younger creative people entering the field of Cinema. If this idea works, then I see this as a win-win for all.”