Despite Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par opening strong—₹10.7 cr on Friday, surging to ₹20.2 cr on Saturday, and ₹27.25 cr on Sunday—the film saw a sharp fall to around ₹8.5 cr on Monday, ending Day 4 with domestic net collections touching approximately ₹66.65 cr . While industry stalwarts celebrated the film crossing the ₹100 cr worldwide mark in just four days , box office analysts flagged the weekday dip as a potential warning sign.
Exhibitors left in the lurch as limited release backfires
The controversy surrounding Sitaare Zameen Par stems from PVR Inox Pictures’ last-minute decision to restrict the film’s initial rollout. After exhibitors—including around 700–800 single-screen theatres—had prepared campaigns and promotional material, PVR Inox abruptly pulled their prints days before release . Even the iconic Raj Mandir in Jaipur, which offered to allot partial show slots, was denied a print when PVR insisted on full-day programming . While the Multiplex Association of India lauded Aamir’s commitment to theatrical-only release , many single-screen and smaller multiplex owners claim the strategy was a betrayal.
Distributors Demand Opening-Week Terms For Exhibitors Onboarding Late
With a solid weekend behind it, many of these exhibitors are now pushing to screen the film in its second week (from June 27 onwards). However, PVR Inox is reportedly offering them exhibition on Week 1 terms, not week‑2—a move viewed as excessive, especially after Monday’s steep box office decline. On top of that, exhibitors are being told to guarantee recovery of digital charges, regardless of actual performance in the new venues—a condition raising eyebrows across the circuit.
The Fallout: Mounting Frustration Of Exhibitors
Several cinema owners voice dismay. One single-screen owner told Box Office Worldwide, “We were all in to back him fully. But to say yes to a release and then for him to subsequently say no, that’s betrayal” . Distributor-exhibitor Akshaye Rathi, cited by M9 News, warned that such broken commitments could damage trust irrevocably .
Box office impact and next week outlook
Despite the rocky rollout, the film has been praised by multiplex chains for prioritising theatrical release and rejecting OTT deals . But sustaining momentum this week will be vital: analysts predict the film needs to hold above ₹7–8 cr per day to secure a strong second weekend, especially as new releases like Maa (June 27) enter the fray.
What it means for the industry
This exhibition row reopens debate on distribution fairness. Trade voices caution that while content-led films deserve theatrical support, imposing Week 1 conditions and mandatory digital charge recovery on exhibitors entering Week 2 could set a troubling precedent.
As PVR Inox negotiates with cinema owners, the situation will test whether trade goodwill can overcome contract rigidity—or if this episode may spark wider calls for greater transparency in film distribution deals.
(Also read: Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki Remains Biggest Grosser Post Pandemic In Drama Genre Despite Clash With Salaar, Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par Set To Finish With At Least 80 Crore Less Number)
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