In a major relief for Sitaare Zameen Par – one of the most anticipated films of 2025 with Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh – it has passed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) challenges! After, lengthily struggling to overcome objections, cuts and creative arguments, the Revising Committee (RC) has officially certified the film with a U/A 13+ certificate – on June 17, just 3 days before its release.
What Were The Objections of CBFC?
An examining committee viewing had put forward some cuts that Aamir Khan, producer of the film, was not happy about and therefore stalled the certificate. This was sent to the Revising Committee, chaired by Vaman Kendre, who had the film screened on June 16 and proposed changes.
These were:
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‘Michael Jackson’ be changed to ‘Lovebirds’ in a scene.
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‘Business Woman’ be changed to ‘Business Person’ for gender neutrality.
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A visual of the word ‘Kamal’ (most commonly seen as a reference to the political party’s symbol for BJP) needed to be altered and shown without a lotus reference.
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The film’s original disclaimer was rejected and amended with a different disclaimer and voiceover.
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In a true-honesty, the biggest ask from the CBFC was to add a quotation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the opening disclaimer, which is uncommon in blessings from the CBFC for any Bollywood film.
After these revisions, the CBFC could then green-light the film.
Final Runtime & Certification
The film is classified as a U/A 13 and runs 158.46 minutes (2 hours, 38 minutes, and 46 seconds), which is an emotional, layered, challenging narrative, and keeps along the tradition of Aamir Khan’s socially conscious films and in the spirit of Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par.
About Sitaare Zameen Par
Directed by R S Prasanna and starring Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles, it is described as a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par, which retained themes of inclusivity, empowerment, and endurance. It is somehow taking place in a competitive sports academy-type setting which involved specially abled children.
The film is anticipated to be released on June 20, 2025 and is estimated to be released on approximately 3000–3500 screens in India.
No OTT lookout yet — Aamir’s theatrical-first approach
Aamir Khan has turned down a pre-OTT offer and is releasing Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively in theatres, showing dedication for reviving the big-screen experience in post-pandemic India. The method has bred undeniable curiosity and intrigue.
Box Office Worldwide Verdict
There was sensitivity to the narrative as well as a lot of real-life bureaucracy; Sitaare Zameen Par has already reached an interesting trajectory before the audience has even experienced the film. It’s now turned into a box office game with the CBFC’s completion, especially with the sticking points like the name changes to characters, etc., as well as an extremely rare quote from the Prime Minister.
Aamir Khan’s bold realisations may keep viewers’ opinions divided, but he has once again successfully put the narratives on offer and social relevance at the forefront of the conversation.
Whether the gamble returns a commercial outcome remains moot. One thing is for certain: Sitaare Zameen Par will not go unnoticed.
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