Aamir Khan’s latest cinematic offering, Sitaare Zameen Par, has amassed a nett collection of ₹90 crore domestically within its debut week. Directed by R S Prasanna, the film hit cinemas on 20 June 2025, serving as a spiritual successor to the widely acclaimed 2007 release Taare Zameen Par, and has struck a chord with audiences.

According to Sacnilk, the film opened strongly with ₹10.7 crore nett at the domestic box office, setting the stage for a solid run. Touted as a heartfelt exploration of neurodivergence, Sitaare Zameen Par features Aamir as a basketball coach guiding ten differently-abled individuals towards triumph.

The cast includes Genelia D’Souza alongside fresh talents Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar, with the screenplay penned by Divy Nidhi Sharma. The project is a collaborative production by Aamir Khan, Aparna Purohit, and Ravi Bhagchandka under Aamir Khan Productions.

Critics have noted its connection to the 2018 Spanish drama Campeones (remade in English in 2023 with Woody Harrelson), echoing Taare Zameen Par’s mission to raise awareness about neurodiversity. However, some reviews suggest a didactic approach, with one stating, “Every scene is crafted to deliver a lesson, often tipping the balance from entertaining to preachy, which can frustrate viewers despite Aamir’s knack for edifying cinema.”

The film’s narrative, centred on mentorship and inclusion, has resonated emotionally, contributing to its box office success. Its opening figures and positive word of mouth hint at a potential surge over the weekend.

Earlier today, Aamir participated in a virtual fan meet to celebrate the milestone, sharing anecdotes from the set and praising the young cast’s dedication. “Their energy inspired every frame,” he remarked, boosting fan excitement online. The session, joined by enthusiastic supporters, highlighted the film’s impact, with many lauding its uplifting message.

As Sitaare Zameen Par progresses into its second week, its ₹90 crore haul underscores Aamir Khan’s enduring appeal. Whether it maintains this momentum amidst mixed critical reception remains to be seen, but its strong start has certainly reignited interest in his storytelling legacy.

Acclaimed Indian filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon, and Onir are teaming up for the second edition of My Melbourne, an Indo-Australian anthology film project that celebrates cultural diversity and strengthens cinematic ties between India and Australia, according to a press release.

Produced by Mind Blowing Films and presented by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the anthology builds on the success of its inaugural edition, released in March 2025. The first film featured short stories by directors Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and Onir, exploring themes of identity, gender, race, sexuality, and disability.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange, CEO of Mind Blowing Films and the project’s creative producer, described the response to the first My Melbourne as “immensely gratifying.” She said, “The film showed that authentic, heartfelt stories can resonate across borders. We’re privileged to have some of India’s most celebrated filmmakers contribute their vision to this second chapter. This initiative continues to champion inclusivity and collaboration, offering a platform for emerging talents from underrepresented communities.”

Rajkumar Hirani, renowned for blockbusters like Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, PK, Sanju, and Dunki, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “My Melbourne is a unique canvas for crafting stories that are personal yet universal, bridging cultures through cinema,” he said.

Anjali Menon, known for her nuanced storytelling, highlighted the project’s alignment with her creative vision. “The themes of My Melbourne resonate deeply with my approach to storytelling—narratives that foster empathy and connect people across divides. I’m excited to be part of this cross-continental collaboration,” she said.

Shoojit Sircar, whose diverse filmography includes Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe, Piku, October, and Sardar Udham, emphasized the universal appeal of the anthology. “Stories transcend borders. My Melbourne is a powerful reminder that locally rooted narratives can carry global impact,” he said.

Onir, returning for the second edition, described the project as “an evolving journey.” He added, “Working with fresh themes and voices while continuing this meaningful initiative is profoundly fulfilling.”

The second instalment of My Melbourne promises to further the anthology’s mission of weaving diverse narratives, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and spotlighting new voices in cinema.

Bollywood actor Kajol has responded to the fierce criticism sparked by her comments about Ramoji Film City during the promotion of her upcoming film Maa. The controversy erupted when she labelled the Hyderabad studio as one of the world’s most haunted locations, prompting a wave of online backlash.

During an interview with Galatta India while promoting Maa, a horror-mythological venture, Kajol was asked about encountering negative energies. She replied, “There are several such places. A prime example is Ramoji Rao Studios in Hyderabad, known as one of the most haunted spots globally. Thankfully, I’ve never witnessed anything supernatural.” Her remarks, intended to build intrigue, were met with accusations of exploiting the topic to hype her film, leading to widespread trolling.

Yesterday evening, Kajol took to social media to clarify her stance. In a post on X, she stated, “I’d like to address my earlier comment about Ramoji Film City made during the promotion of Maa. Having shot numerous projects there and stayed on its premises over the years, I can vouch for its professionalism. It’s a fantastic destination, perfectly safe for families and children, and an excellent filmmaking environment.”

The internet’s reaction was sharp. One user commented, “Kajol’s just pushing her new horror flick, that’s all!” Another wrote, “She’s making baseless claims about Ramoji Film City to promote Maa. My friends work there, even at night, and never mentioned anything like this.” A third remarked, “Ramoji Group could sue her for defamation and rake in a fortune if they win.” Yet another added, “It’s clearly a marketing stunt for her horror film.”

Kajol’s clarification aimed to dispel the negativity, emphasising her positive experiences at the studio. Maa, her latest project, has generated significant buzz, and this incident has only amplified its visibility.

Earlier today, at 17:00 IST, Kajol joined a virtual fan interaction to discuss Maa and address the controversy further. She reiterated, “Ramoji is a professional haven, and I regret any misunderstanding,” reassuring fans and highlighting the film’s mythological allure. The session, attended by eager followers, helped shift focus back to her work.

As the debate simmers, Kajol’s response seeks to restore confidence in Ramoji Film City while keeping the spotlight on Maa.