The YouTube Launch & The Promise
Aamir Khan debuted an innovative pay-per-view model for his film Sitaare Zameen Par, making it available on YouTube from August 1, 2025, for a flat rate of ₹100. This move bypasses traditional OTT platforms and follows a six-week window after its June theatrical release. The goal: bring cinema to the masses at an affordable price.0
Public Apology Over Pricing Glitch
Despite the ₹100 promise, many Apple device users reported being charged ₹179 to rent the film. Aamir Khan Productions issued a public apology on X: “Our sincere apologies… cost … reflecting as ₹179 on Apple devices… trying to resolve this issue.”1
The Apology & Industry Response
At a Mumbai press conference, Aamir admitted he had misled the industry about the digital release, stating the falsehood was intended to protect theatrical revenue. “I fold my hands and apologise … I had to lie to protect the film’s theatrical business.” He defended the choice of YouTube’s transactional model over OTT subscription platforms, citing better audience engagement and creative freedom.2
Pay‑Per‑View vs OTT: A Strategic Shift
Khan strongly criticised subscription-based platforms, calling them detrimental to dedicated films because viewers pay for a service, not specific content. He argued the ₹100 model mirrors the cinema experience: “I want ₹100 from my audience—not ₹125 crore from a big company.”3
Piracy & Technical Fixes
With rising concerns about online piracy, the team has deployed anti-piracy units to secure the film’s release. They also reiterated support for viewers encountering technical pricing issues, promising immediate resolution.4
Quick Facts & Quiz Trivia
- Release date on YouTube: August 1, 2025.
- Declared rental price: ₹100; glitch price for some Apple users: ₹179.
- Film’s theatrical release was on June 20, 2025, after which a six‑week digital window was observed.5
- Aamir Khan admitted lying to protect theatrical returns.
- He rejected an estimated ₹125‑crore OTT offer in favor of the new model.6
- Aamir has appointed anti‑piracy teams for the release.7
Reader Tips & Takeaway
Viewers planning to rent Sitaare Zameen Par via Apple: double-check the displayed price before confirming rental. For quiz enthusiasts: key data points worth memorizing include the ₹100 price tag, ₹179 glitch rate, release date August 1 and Aamir’s ₹125‑crore OTT rejection. This episode underscores how stars are experimenting with digital film distribution in India’s evolving media landscape.
Source: Mid-day