Aamir Khan to Attend Indian Film Festival of Melbourne as Chief Guest – ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ to Be Screened Amid OTT Boycott Stance

In a move that’s both celebrated and critiqued, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is set to grace the 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) as the Chief Guest. The festival, which will run from August 14 to 24, 2025, is rolling out the red carpet for Khan with a full-blown retrospective of his cinematic journey. However, it’s not just his presence that’s stirring conversations — it’s the screening of his latest film, Sitaare Zameen Par, and his unapologetic refusal to release it on OTT platforms that’s fueling debate.

Aamir Khan, known for walking the tightrope between commercial cinema and social commentary, seems to be making a comeback with full force. Sitaare Zameen Par — a spiritual successor to his earlier acclaimed film Taare Zameen Par — features him as a basketball coach working with neurodivergent adults. The film was released in theatres only, a bold move in today’s OTT-dominated age. Khan even went so far as to thank theatre owners and audiences for supporting his “cinema-first” philosophy. While many hailed his decision as a brave stand to revive theatrical experiences, others saw it as a tone-deaf rejection of changing viewing habits, especially for inclusive content that could have reached more homes via streaming.

The IFFM is celebrating Aamir Khan with a special showcase of his iconic films including Lagaan, Dangal, PK, and Secret Superstar, culminating in the finale screening of Sitaare Zameen Par. This will be followed by a live discussion featuring Aamir himself, the film’s director R.S. Prasanna, and Aamir Khan Films CEO Aparna Purohit. It’s clear the festival sees this moment as a cinematic milestone — but not everyone agrees.

Critics argue that Khan’s increasingly curated public appearances, selective interviews, and calculated festival appearances reflect a carefully rebranded image post the failure of Laal Singh Chaddha. While Aamir fans laud his deep storytelling and passion for inclusive narratives, detractors point out the contradiction in advocating for inclusion while simultaneously limiting access by shunning OTT.

Even his role as the Chief Guest at a prestigious international film festival is being viewed through a political lens. Is this a genuine honor or a PR rehabilitation strategy? And why is Sitaare Zameen Par — a film with a socially progressive theme — being confined to film festivals and theatrical windows when streaming platforms could have made it a global conversation starter?

Aamir Khan’s presence at IFFM 2025 and the exclusive screening of Sitaare Zameen Par is undeniably a big deal for Indian cinema on the global stage. But as always with the ‘perfectionist’ star, praise comes mixed with critique. Whether this festival stint boosts his artistic legacy or exposes the contradictions in his evolving brand remains to be seen. Either way, the world will be watching — and debating.