Actor refuses to edit key scenes after censor board demands cuts; seeks uncut release for film highlighting disability and inclusion.
Mumbai: June 17, 2025
Aamir Khan has delayed the release of his much-anticipated film Sitaare Zameen Par following a standoff with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has asked for specific cuts. Khan has refused to alter the film, insisting that all scenes are vital to the storyline and emotional depth of the project.
The new film, described as a spiritual sequel to his award-winning 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, is directed by R.S. Prasanna and stars Genelia Deshmukh against Khan. Based on the Spanish film Campeones, the film tells the story of a basketball coach who was suspended from his duties, and works his way to redemption for training a group of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Although the film has received a 12A rating from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) without any edits, the CBFC has raised objections to certain scenes in the Indian version. This has forced the makers to postpone the original release date of June 20.
Khan, who co-produced the film with Aparna Purohit through Aamir Khan Productions, wants to meet with CBFC officials in person to achieve a release with no cuts. Khan says the film addresses fundamental social issues such as discrimination, acceptance, and resilience, and censoring it will strip it of its purpose.
The controversy once again reignited a public discussion between creative freedom and censorship, in the context of Indian cinema, and now audiences are awaiting the certainty of when the film will reach theatres.
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