- Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Aamir Khan’s upcoming film faces a release roadblock in India after the censor board demands two specific cuts. While international screenings move forward, the dispute reignites concerns about creative freedom and censorship in Bollywood.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Aamir Khan’s much-anticipated film Sitaare Zameen Par has encountered a major hurdle just days before its scheduled release in India.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has requested two specific cuts in the film, a demand that the actor-producer has firmly refused to comply with. As a result, the film’s Indian release is now likely to be delayed, despite its international rollout proceeding as planned.
Aamir Khan Stands by His Vision
Sources close to the production reveal that Aamir Khan is unwavering in his commitment to the film’s original narrative. He believes that every scene, including those flagged by the CBFC, is crucial to the film’s message and emotional impact.
“Every part of the film — including the scenes in question — has been created with deep thought and purpose. He feels the story, the dialogues, and the characters all contribute to an important message, and removing or altering them would weaken the impact,” a source explained.
This creative standoff has resulted in the film not receiving its certification in India. Without the CBFC’s clearance, Sitaare Zameen Par cannot be released in Indian cinemas. In response, Khan is reportedly planning to meet with CBFC officials in person, hoping to explain the artistic intent behind the contentious scenes and persuade the board to reconsider their decision.
International Approval Highlights Contrasts
Interestingly, while the film faces obstacles at home, it has already been cleared for release in the United Kingdom. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has granted Sitaare Zameen Par a 12A rating, allowing children under 12 to view the film if accompanied by an adult.
The BBFC’s assessment noted, “the film contains some references to discrimination and mild sexual content, but found it suitable for public release.”
This international approval highlights the ongoing debate about the standards and criteria used by different film certification boards. It also raises questions about the freedom of artistic expression and the role of censorship in shaping the narratives that reach Indian audiences.
Real Issues: Censorship, Representation, and Artistic Integrity
The controversy surrounding Sitaare Zameen Par brings to the forefront real issues facing Indian cinema: the tension between creative freedom and regulatory oversight, and the challenges of representing sensitive social themes. Aamir Khan’s refusal to make cuts is rooted in his belief that sanitizing the film would dilute its message about inclusion, discrimination, and resilience.
The film’s struggle with the CBFC is emblematic of broader concerns about censorship in India, particularly when it comes to movies that address social issues or challenge conventional norms. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for future films tackling complex or controversial subjects.
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About Sitaare Zameen Par
Directed by R.S. Prasanna and produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ is described as a spiritual successor to Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. The film stars Aamir Khan alongside Genelia Deshmukh and is an official remake of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones.
The story centers on a suspended basketball coach who is ordered to serve community service by training a team of players with disabilities as they prepare for a major tournament.
As fans eagerly await the film’s release, all eyes are on the ongoing negotiations between Aamir Khan and the CBFC.
Whether the board will uphold its demand for cuts or allow the film to be released as envisioned by its creators remains to be seen. For now, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ stands at the center of a crucial debate on creativity, censorship, and the power of cinema to spark important conversations.
