CBFC Sparks Controversy Over Modi Quote in Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par

A reported directive from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to include a quote by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par has triggered widespread criticism on social media, with users accusing the board of political overreach.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the CBFC’s revising committee instructed the filmmakers to implement five specific changes, including the insertion of a quote by the Prime Minister referring to the year 2047.

The quote, the contents of which remain undisclosed, has been added immediately following the revised opening disclaimer.

The decision has stirred a backlash online, with many questioning the rationale behind incorporating a political statement into a mainstream film. One user on X (formerly Twitter) sarcastically suggested, “CBFC should also insist.

Aamir Khan adds ‘Thank you, Modiji’ at the end of the film.” Another user remarked, “Why would the CBFC suddenly demand the inclusion of a Modi quote? This doesn’t add up. There’s more to this than we’re being told.”

Sitaare Zameen Par, directed by RS Prasanna and featuring Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles, has been awarded a U/A certificate and is set to release in theatres on June 20.

The film is an official Hindi remake of the 2018 Spanish film Champions. It follows the journey of a hot-headed basketball coach assigned community service, during which he trains a team of players with intellectual disabilities.

Beyond the Prime Minister’s quote, the CBFC reportedly recommended four additional edits:

• Replacing the term “business woman” with the gender-neutral “business person”
• Reducing the opening disclaimer duration from 30 seconds to 26 seconds and adding a voice-over
• Removing the word “kamal” (lotus) from visuals and subtitles
• Altering a subtitle from “Michael Jackson” to “Lovebirds”

As per the CBFC certificate dated June 17, Aamir Khan Films LLP has implemented all requested changes.

The developments have drawn sharp criticism on social media, with users accusing the board of acting as an ideological gatekeeper. One commenter posted,

“CBFC has stopped being a certification authority; now it’s just auditioning for the propaganda department.” Another user bluntly stated, “India has the worst film certification board in the entire world.”