By Tanveer Zaidi (Actor – Author – Educationist)
Veteran actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan has once again made headlines for his passionate advocacy of theatrical releases. In an era increasingly dominated by digital streaming platforms and OTT premieres,
Khan has voiced his unwavering belief in the magic and cultural significance of watching films in cinema halls.
Speaking at multiple forums, including a notable appearance on Rajat Sharma’s Aap Ki Adalat, Aamir elaborated on why he feels that the collective cinematic experience offered by theatres remains irreplaceable.
Aamir emphasized that while content is indeed king—meaning the intrinsic quality of a film determines its success—the medium through which it is consumed also matters deeply.
He expressed his concern that the trend of releasing movies too soon on OTT platforms may be adversely impacting the traditional cinema business, which has already been struggling in the post-pandemic world.
At the prestigious World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), an event attended by many influential stakeholders from the Indian film and media industry,
Aamir highlighted the existential crisis facing the theatre ecosystem. He pointed out that India, despite being a country with a deep-rooted love for cinema, suffers from a severe shortage of movie theatres when compared to its vast population.
“I have always believed that the number of cinema halls in India is far too low, especially considering the size of our country and the sheer volume of people who love and follow cinema passionately,” Aamir stated.
“Even the biggest blockbusters in our film industry—those we consider monumental successes—have had footfalls of only around 30 to 35 million people. That’s merely about 2 per cent of the total population. We can and should do much better.”
Seated beside Aamir during this discussion was Ajay Bijli, the dynamic founder of PVR Cinemas and Managing Director of the nation’s largest multiplex chain, PVR INOX Ltd. In response to Aamir’s comments, Bijli, known for his good-natured humor, quipped,
“I better head back to the office and get to work!” drawing laughter from the audience while acknowledging the seriousness of Aamir’s point.
Aamir also touched upon the financial deterrents that might dissuade audiences from choosing the theatre experience over home viewing. High ticket prices, coupled with the notoriously expensive food and beverage options in multiplexes, often make the theatre-going experience unaffordable for many families.
This, he noted, leads many viewers to wait for films to become available online at a much lower cost—or sometimes, for free.
He further stated that the emotional and communal value of watching a film on the big screen—complete with surround sound, the darkened ambience, and the shared reactions of fellow audience members—is a sensory and social experience that cannot be replicated on personal devices.
Khan appealed to both audiences and industry players to preserve this tradition, even as the media landscape continues to evolve.
Looking forward to his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir expressed his hope that audiences would choose to watch it in theatres. “This is a film made for the big screen,” he said.
“I hope people come with their families and experience it the way films were meant to be enjoyed.”
The upcoming film is deeply personal for Aamir, as it is positioned as a spiritual successor to his 2007 critically acclaimed film Taare Zameen Par. While Taare Zameen Par dealt with a dyslexic child’s struggle in a rigid educational system, Sitaare Zameen Par carries forward that theme of empathy, resilience, and inclusivity—this time through the lens of sports.
The film, which stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles, also introduces ten fresh faces—new actors who bring authenticity and vigor to their characters.
It is an official adaptation of the 2018 Spanish film Champions, which was itself praised for its heartwarming storytelling.
The narrative follows a professional basketball coach who, after being suspended from his job, is assigned community service.
His task: to train a group of young athletes who are physically and mentally challenged, preparing them for an upcoming tournament. What begins as an obligation soon turns into a journey of mutual growth, understanding, and triumph over adversity.
By choosing such a story, Aamir Khan continues to uphold his reputation for meaningful cinema, films that entertain while also offering important social messages.
His decision to remake Champions in the Indian context underscores his commitment to creating inclusive narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages.
In conclusion, Aamir Khan’s reflections at WAVES and other platforms underscore his larger vision—not just for his films, but for the future of Indian cinema as a whole.
As the industry grapples with digital disruption and changing audience behavior, his voice is a reminder that cinema, at its best, is more than just content—it’s a shared experience, a community ritual, and a powerful cultural force