The hashtag #BoycottSitaareZameenPar started trending on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) shortly after the trailer of Aamir Khan’s new movie Sitaare Zameen Par was released on YouTube on May 13. The movie marks Aamir Khan’s return to the big screen after a gap of nearly two years, following his last film Laal Singh Chaddha in 2022, which was a remake of the Hollywood classic Forrest Gump.
This time, the actor stars in what is being described as the “spiritual sequel” to his 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. While Taare Zameen Par focused on the emotional journey of a child with dyslexia, Sitaare Zameen Par takes a different approach. In this new story, Aamir Khan plays a basketball coach who is sentenced by the court to train a group of children with intellectual disabilities. The film seems to aim at starting meaningful conversations around inclusivity, challenges faced by people with special needs, and how sports can bring hope and change.
Despite the strong social message in the trailer and overall positive comments on YouTube, a wave of criticism began online, especially from a section of users who are calling for a boycott of the film.
So, why exactly are people calling for a boycott?
The main reason appears to be political. Some individuals, especially users who identify with hardline Hindu ideologies, are unhappy with Aamir Khan because of his past visit to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Critics believe that Erdoğan’s political stance, particularly regarding India and Pakistan, is problematic. Because of Aamir Khan’s meeting with Erdoğan in the past, a section of people have labeled him “anti-national” or accused him of being sympathetic towards certain ideologies they disagree with.
This isn’t the first time Aamir Khan has faced such backlash. Similar boycott trends were seen around Laal Singh Chaddha, which also faced online criticism based on his personal views and past interviews. Some people online have even brought religion into the conversation, pointing out Aamir’s Muslim identity and accusing him of promoting a hidden agenda—claims that have no backing from the actual content of his films.
However, many others have stood in support of the film and the actor. They argue that Sitaare Zameen Par is a movie with heart, much like Taare Zameen Par, and should be judged on its story and message, not on political opinions or past meetings.
One comment under the trailer reads, “This is the kind of cinema we need – one that brings hope and makes us see the beauty in everyone.” Another user praised Aamir Khan’s continued effort to highlight important social issues through his movies, saying, “He always picks stories that speak to the soul. I’m excited for this one.”
Supporters believe that films like Sitaare Zameen Par can help start new conversations about disability, empathy, and inclusion in Indian society, just like Taare Zameen Par did back in 2007.
In the end, the debate around Sitaare Zameen Par seems to be less about the movie itself and more about the personal beliefs and past actions of its lead actor. While some are trying to bring politics and religion into the discussion, others are choosing to focus on the movie’s message and emotional impact.
Conclusion
#BoycottSitaareZameenPar is trending not because of what the film stands for, but because of who is in it. Aamir Khan, a talented actor known for picking socially relevant films, finds himself once again at the center of an online storm. The movie itself seems to promise a heartfelt story about love, understanding, and giving people with intellectual disabilities a voice through sports.
The trailer has received thousands of positive responses, and many are looking forward to seeing another meaningful story on screen. It’s now up to the viewers to decide whether they want to let politics decide what films they watch—or choose to judge a movie based on its content and purpose.
What do you think? Should an actor’s personal beliefs or past meetings affect how we view their art? Or should we focus on the message a film brings to society? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
