Aamir Khan's 'Sitaare Zameen Par' Budget Overshot to $14 Million Due to Partner's Withdrawal

Actor Amir Khan's film "Sitaare Zameen Par" had an initial budget of $11 million (Rs 96 crore) but increased to $14-15 million (Rs 122-133 crore) after his partners backed out. The film will be released on Khan's YouTube channel for Rs 100, using a pay-per-view model instead of selling it to an OTT platform.

Actor Amir Khan's latest film, "Sitaare Zameen Par," has seen its budget increase significantly due to changes in its distribution strategy. Initially budgeted at $11 million (Rs 96 crore), the film's cost has escalated to between $14 and $15 million (Rs 122 crore to Rs 133 crore) after Khan's partners exited the project over disagreements regarding the film's YouTube release plan [1].

The film, directed by RS Prasanna, is set to debut on Khan's official YouTube channel under a pay-per-view model, with a rental fee of Rs 100. This strategy aims to provide audiences with direct access to the film, bypassing major OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar [1].

Despite the increased budget, "Sitaare Zameen Par" has already grossed Rs 276 crore worldwide [1]. The film features Khan alongside Genelia Deshmukh and ten debut artists. The pay-per-view model has faced some technical issues, with Apple users reporting charges above the announced Rs 100 fee. Aamir Khan Productions has since apologized for the discrepancy and is working to resolve the issue [2].

The film's release comes at a time when the entertainment industry is adapting to changing viewing habits, with OTT growth impacting cinema attendance. Khan's pay-per-view model aims to improve accessibility for audiences in regions with limited theatre access while encouraging cinema visits through an affordable viewing option.

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/amir-khan-reveals-sitare-zameen-pars-budget-says-it-overshot-as-partner-pulled-out/articleshow/123204098.cms?UTM_Campaign=RSS_Feed&UTM_Medium=Referral&UTM_Source=Google_Newsstand
[2] https://www.afaqs.com/news/ott-streaming/apple-users-overcharged-for-aamir-khans-sitaare-zameen-par-on-youtube-team-apologises-9623775