Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Bollywood actor-producer Aamir Khan has decided to stall the Indian release of his much-awaited film Sitaare Zameen Par after reportedly rejecting the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) request for two content edits. The film, which was slated to release on June 20, now remains uncertified, delaying its domestic premiere indefinitely.

The CBFC had flagged two scenes in the movie, suggesting that they be trimmed or altered before granting a censor certificate. However, Khan, known for his strong creative vision and commitment to socially relevant storytelling, declined to comply. He believes the scenes in question are essential to the narrative and central to the emotional and thematic integrity of the film.

Directed by R.S. Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par is the Indian adaptation of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones. The story revolves around a temperamental basketball coach who is assigned to train a team of intellectually challenged players as community service, only to discover life-altering lessons in the process. Aamir Khan plays the lead role, while Genelia Deshmukh co-stars in a pivotal role.

The film has already been approved by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), which has given it a 12A rating, allowing viewers aged 12 and over to watch the film with parental guidance. The BBFC certificate mentions that the film contains mild references to discrimination and sexual material, but it was deemed appropriate for a younger audience due to the overall positive and motivational message of the film.

The Indian certification process has proven to be more contentious. Without the CBFC’s certification, the film cannot proceed with its release in India. Sources close to the production say that Aamir Khan intends to meet the CBFC’s Examining Committee in person in hopes of convincing them to reconsider the demand for cuts. The actor reportedly feels that compromising the content of the film would weaken its emotional impact and go against the very message it seeks to deliver.

Advance ticket sales for Sitaare Zameen Par have been put on hold due to the delay in certification. Cinema chains and booking platforms are awaiting further communication from the production house before resuming promotions or ticketing.

This is not the first time Aamir Khan has stood firm against creative interference. Over the years, he has built a reputation for making films that not only entertain but also raise important social issues, often challenging taboos or societal norms. His earlier work, Taare Zameen Par (2007), which focused on childhood dyslexia, was both a critical and commercial success and played a key role in bringing awareness to learning disabilities in India.

Industry insiders say the CBFC’s stance may be reconsidered given the sensitive nature of the film and the growing public interest in its release. The board has previously shown flexibility after further review or consultation in similar cases. As of now, no official statement has been issued by either the CBFC or Aamir Khan’s production team regarding the new release date.

As fans and audiences await further updates, the controversy has added another layer of attention to Sitaare Zameen Par. While the delay may frustrate viewers, it underscores the ongoing debate about censorship and artistic freedom in Indian cinema. The coming days will determine whether the film sees the light of day in its intended form or if concessions will have to be made to meet regulatory requirements.