Aamir Khan has officially confirmed what was the discussion of the industry for weeks – his latest film ‘Sitare Zameen Paar’ would leave the Oat platform completely and directly to YouTube. The actor-producer announced on Tuesday during a press conference in Mumbai, where he also released apologies for misleading the audience during the film’s campaigner run, which hit theaters on 20 June.
Aamir Khan lies about digital plans
Addressing the collected media, Aamir admitted that when the film was released on YouTube after his dramatic run, it was not true.
“I bend my hands and apologize because I lied when I said that Sitare said that the land will not be released on YouTube. I did this because I had no other option. I had to protect the theatrical business of the film. I am very loyal with theaters, I am very loyal with cinema, my life started with cinema. So, I always explained for my films!
Aamir’s decision to delay in revealing the YouTube release plan is a strategic move to ensure the feasibility of the box office before unveiling its unconventional digital strategy.
Aamir Khan criticizes membership-based OTT model, back pay-per-view approach
Lagaan actor also used the opportunity to highlight his long criticism of the traditional OTT membership model. He argued that the current approach is harming the industry and not providing financial benefits to the creators.
“There is a lot of difference between the pay-per-view model and a subscription model. When I release a film after 8 weeks on a membership model, people are not buying my film. They are only taking membership of OTT platforms. It does not matter whether a person wants to see it or does not.
After the press interaction, he also talked to photographers and made a sharp observation: “OTT platforms are mostly interested in buying films with big stars. Where do all the others go?”
This concern has also affected his large digital content vision.
Sitaare Zameen Par YouTube Premier Set for 1 August
‘Sitare Zameen Paar’ will officially fall on YouTube on August 1, six weeks after its dramatic start. This will follow a pay-per-view model, the audience. Will be able to use the film for 100. Aamir revealed a plan to continue with this release model for future and previous titles under Aamir Khan Productions.
Films like Lagaan (2001), Taare Zameen Paar (2007), and Peepli Live (2010) are expected to be uploaded on stage. He also intends to share the work with his father, late filmmaker Tahir Hussain, which makes the stage a curated hub of cinema.
