Aamir Khan‘s words have always been impactful, and his recent words will likely generate waves of discussion in the industry.
This actor, who has continually challenged the status quo of Bollywood, now has a pointed take on the continuing trend of post-theatrical OTT releases and has implored the industry to think again.
“This is why I say that if the movie is going to be presented sooner, will anybody go to the theatre?”
In a recent interview, Aamir Khan responded to the audience’s changing behaviour and called for a minimal 6-month window from theatrical release to OTT debut.
“If you show it quickly, why would anyone want to go to the movie theatres?”
Aamir believes that by rushing a film to digital platforms, it will not only affect box office collections but potentially lessen the significance and excitement of seeing a movie in theatre. His basic premise is that movies should be presented in phases:
Theatre → Pay-per-view services → OTT → Free Television.
A Balanced View On OTT Growth
Aamir was eager to point out that he is not anti-OTT. He praised these platforms for giving voice to new talent and for expanding the industry audience overall. However, he commented on the audience being tired or losing the urgency to see a film, as it is more accessible.
“OTT has its benefits but there should be a balance to everything,” Khan said.
The actor observed that in the past, there was a “FOMO” that drove people to the cinema to see a new release. Now, the buzz has died down, and so has the urgency to catch a theatrical release.
Industry Implications & What’s Next for Aamir
The comments come at a time when producers, distributors, and streaming companies are now reconsidering their release strategies. Khan’s proposal for a six-month window looks back to the pre-pandemic days — a strategy that may be necessary to drive back foot traffic and generate revenue.
In his own work, Aamir Khan will return to theatres after a three-year absence in ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, co-starring Darsheel Safary and Genelia D’Souza. The project, a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par, will be released on June 20, 2025, and is already garnering attention for his return.
Highlights:
- Aamir Khan proposed a 6-month theatrical to OTT window.
- Says short gaps deter theatre audiences.
- Applauds OTT for talent discovery but calls for a metered approach.
- Sitaare Zameen Par marks his return to cinema on June 20, 2025.
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