Aamir Khan’s latest film, “Sitaare Zameen Par,” has made history by becoming the first Indian movie to be fully accessible to audiences with visual, hearing, or speech impairments, grossing over ₹200 crore worldwide.
Aamir Khan’s “Sitaare Zameen Par” has taken the box office by storm and reached a diverse audience, earning a place among the highest-grossing films of 2025. Heralded as the spiritual sequel to the critically acclaimed “Taare Zameen Par,” this film has marked a pivotal moment in Indian cinema by grossing over ₹200 crore worldwide, according to industry tracker Sacnilk.
Released on June 20, 2025, “Sitaare Zameen Par” stands out not just financially but also in its pioneering approach to inclusivity. The film has been crafted with closed captions, audio descriptions, and Indian Sign Language (ISL), ensuring it can be thoroughly enjoyed by viewers with disabilities. This achievement highlights Aamir Khan’s vision to create a film experience that transcends traditional barriers, offering accessibility to a wider demographic.
The movie’s impressive accessibility features have set a new benchmark in an industry where such inclusive practices have been limited. While international films often incorporate various accessibility tools, “Sitaare Zameen Par” is a trailblazer in Indian cinema for its integration of ISL. This has been facilitated through the innovative use of the XL Cinema app, which synchronizes with the audio track in theaters and provides real-time interpretation for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
The XL Cinema app allows users to access an ISL interpreter directly on their mobile devices, enhancing the viewing experience for those with hearing impairments. By providing closed captions and detailed audio cues, it ensures that essential elements of the storyline and ambient audio are communicated effectively, thereby bringing a richer, more engaging cinematic experience to all viewers regardless of their sensory capabilities.
Aamir Khan’s dedication to inclusivity in “Sitaare Zameen Par” illustrates a significant step forward in making entertainment accessible and enjoyable for everyone. With this film, the Indian film industry not only acknowledges the diverse needs of its audience but also sets a global example of how cinema can cater to all kinds of people, bridging gaps in understanding and enjoyment through thoughtful inclusivity.