iWorld
Aamir Khan takes ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ straight to YouTube in a first-of-its-kind digital premiere
MUMBAI: Aamir Khan is ripping up the rulebook. In a landmark move, the actor-producer is releasing his blockbuster Sitaare Zameen Par directly on YouTube Movies-on-Demand from 1 August 2025, bypassing traditional OTT platforms and putting premium cinema within reach of every household.
Actor-producer Aamir Khan stated, “For the past 15 years I have been struggling with the challenge of how to reach audiences who do not have geographical access to theatres, or those who are unable to make it to theatres for various reasons. Finally the time for the perfect storm has come. With our government bringing in UPI and India becoming no 1 in the world in electronic payments, with internet penetration in India having grown dramatically and growing everyday, and with YouTube being on most devices, we can finally reach vast sections of people in India, and a significant part of the world. My dream is that Cinema should reach everyone at a reasonable and affordable price. I want people to have the ease of watching Cinema when they want, where they want. If this idea works, Creative voices can tell different stories breaking geographical and other barriers. This will also be a great opportunity for younger creative people entering the field of Cinema. If this idea works, then I see this as a win-win for all.”
YouTube India country managing director, Gunjan Soni highlighted the strategic significance of this partnership. “The digital launch of Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively on YouTube underscores a significant step towards democratizing Indian film distribution at a global scale. YouTube is already a key digital destination for premium content, and we’re excited to offer filmmakers and content owners not only our unparalleled digital reach but also the control and flexibility to meet their audiences where they are. Today’s launch is far more than a release – YouTube is laying out the red carpet for Indian cinema to stride onto the global stage.”
The film, which has already grossed over Rs 250 crore worldwide, will be available in India for Rs 100 and in 38 international markets including the US, UK, Australia, Germany and Singapore, with localised pricing and subtitles.
A spiritual successor to his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, the heartwarming drama stars Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh and ten actors with intellectual disabilities, making inclusivity its emotional core.
This YouTube-first strategy is a radical experiment that not only turns every screen into a theatre but also cements YouTube’s growing clout in post-theatrical film distribution. With YouTube already reaching 4 out of 5 internet users in India, this could reshape how films find their audiences.
Directed by RS Prasanna and written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, the film will also be available in dubbed and subtitled versions for global audiences. Next up for Aamir Khan Productions: Lahore 1947 starring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, and Ek Din featuring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi.
Cinema, it seems, just found its biggest digital stage.
iWorld
Prime Video and Hrithik Roshan reunite for quirky heist comedy Mess
HRX Films expands pact with quirky heist comedy set for production
MUMBAI: Prime Video is doubling down on its partnership with Hrithik Roshan, announcing a new comedy film Mess that promises chaos, chuckles and a clever twist on the classic heist.
Produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under HRX Films, a division of FilmKraft Productions, the film is being made in association with Soda Films Lab. Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, Mess marks the second collaboration between the streaming platform and HRX Films after the upcoming thriller Storm.
At the heart of Mess lies an unusual premise. A group of robbers break into the home of a man with OCD, only to find themselves outmatched in a night-long standoff that flips the script on who is really in control. It is a set-up that blends tension with humour, turning a break-in into a breakdown of expectations.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok said, “A good story should surprise and entertain, and Mess does both with ease. It brings together a unique premise, memorable characters and a tone that keeps you laughing throughout.”
He added that the collaboration with HRX Films continues to grow stronger, with the new film reflecting a shared appetite for bold and original storytelling.
Hrithik Roshan said, “After Storm, Mess feels like a natural next step in our journey with Prime Video. The film captures the kind of unconventional storytelling we want to champion, with Rajesh bringing a distinctive voice to the narrative.”
Director Rajesh A Krishnan said, “The world of Mess is a mix of comedy and chaos, unusual enough to keep audiences on edge while still delivering humour. It has been a deeply collaborative and creatively fulfilling experience.”
The original screenplay comes from Paul Soter, with adaptation and dialogues by Kapil Sawant, adding another layer of craft to the film’s offbeat narrative.
As production gears up, Mess looks ready to live up to its name, serving up a delightful tangle of mayhem, mischief and movie magic for audiences in India and beyond.
