Controversy Surrounds Aamir Khan’s ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ as #BoycottSitaareZameenPar Trends on Social Media
Social Media Erupts with #BoycottSitaareZameenPar Following Trailer Release
Last Updated: May 14, 2025, 11:36 IST
The anticipation surrounding Aamir Khan’s upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, took a dramatic turn on May 13 when its trailer was released on YouTube. Within hours, the hashtag #BoycottSitaareZameenPar began trending on the social media platform X, igniting a heated debate among fans and critics alike.
Khan, known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, returns to the screen after the mixed reception of Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). This new project is being hailed as a "spiritual sequel" to the beloved 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, which sensitively portrayed the struggles of a boy with learning disabilities. In Sitaare Zameen Par, Khan shifts roles from teacher to basketball coach, tasked with training a team of intellectually disabled players.
While many comments under the trailer express admiration for Khan’s commitment to highlighting issues faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities, the film is not without its controversies. Critics have raised concerns about Khan’s past associations, particularly a photograph of him with Turkey’s First Lady Emine Erdogan during a 2020 visit. This connection has resurfaced amid heightened tensions between India and Turkey, especially following Turkey’s support for Pakistan during recent military conflicts.
The Backlash
Photos of the film’s poster adorned with "Boycott" slogans have circulated widely on X, fueling the call for a boycott. Many users have expressed their discontent, linking Khan’s past interactions with Turkey to the current geopolitical climate. The backlash intensified after India conducted missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, a response to a tragic attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22.
In light of these events, Indian citizens have increasingly voiced their opposition to Turkish entities, including a notable boycott of Turkish Airlines. The sentiment is palpable, with many calling for a united front against perceived foreign support for adversarial nations.
Aamir Khan’s Response
In the midst of the controversy, Khan has not shied away from addressing the recent violence in Pahalgam. He expressed his desire for justice and faith in the Indian government to take appropriate action. "We want justice… and we want steps to be taken to ensure that this does not happen again," he stated, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Mixed Reactions to the Trailer
Despite the backlash, the trailer for Sitaare Zameen Par has garnered over 13 million views within 12 hours of its release, resonating with many viewers. Comments praising the film’s authentic representation of individuals with disabilities have flooded in. One viewer noted, "The best thing about this movie is that they have cast real people. No one is acting to be a down syndrome or an autistic. That’s so refreshing to watch."
Parents of children with special needs have also expressed gratitude for the film’s focus on inclusivity and awareness. "This film is so inspiring for parents like us," one commenter shared, highlighting the importance of representation in media.
Conclusion
As the release date approaches, Sitaare Zameen Par finds itself at the center of a cultural and political storm. With passionate supporters and vocal detractors, the film’s journey reflects broader societal issues, making it a focal point for discussions on representation, justice, and national sentiment. Whether the calls for boycott will impact its success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Aamir Khan’s latest project is already making waves.
