Hansal Mehta Hails Sitaare Zameen Par's Pay-Per-View Model: 'Celebrate Experiments Like This'

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3 days ago

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Hansal Mehta praised Aamir Khan's decision to release Sitaare Zameen Par on YouTube through a pay-per-view model, calling it a 'smart' move that deserves applause.
Aamir Khan announced the release of his film Sitaare Zameen Par on YouTube from August 1, through a pay-per-view model. The superstar bypassed traditional streaming platforms entirely, and his movie is now available to watch on YouTube for Rs 100. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has now praised Aamir's decision, calling the pay-per-view model a 'smart' move that deserves applause, not criticism. He penned a lengthy note, explaining how this move democratizes access, and reclaims control for creators.
In his note, Hansal Mehta wrote, 'Aamir Khan releasing Sitaare Zameen Par on YouTube as a pay‑per‑view title after its theatrical run is not a threat to anyone. It's a smart, forward‑looking move that deserves applause, not knee‑jerk criticism." He further added, 'What this move actually does: 1. Reclaims control for creators. When and how a film meets its audience should be a maker's choice not a gate‑kept decree. 2. Adds a durable revenue stream. OTT can't be the only post‑theatrical option. Flexible windows + PPV create longer, healthier film lives. 3. Democratises access. Reasonable pricing, easy payments, and YouTube's universal reach can take cinema beyond multiplexes and curated SVOD shelves. The long‑run upside: a healthier flywheel. If pay‑per‑view finds its footing at sensible price points, it creates a reliable mid‑tail revenue layer between theatres and subscription deals."
He further added that it recycles money back into risk. With more cash flow coming after theatrical runs, producers can fund documentaries, regional stories, and daring, unconventional projects—not just the 'safe bets." 'This isn't a war against theatres or streamers. It's distribution reform. Theatrical windows should flex, not break; OTT should be an avenue, not the dependency. With reasonable pricing, ease of payment, and a clean UI, true democratisation stops being a pipe‑dream and becomes policy by practice. Celebrate experiments like this. They could be the bridge that lets more films breathe, travel, and be discovered on their own timelines, on audiences' own terms," he concluded. Check out his entire post below!
X User Accuses Hansal Mehta Of Using ChatGPT To Write About Sitaare Zameen Par YouTube Releaese
Soon after he shared the post, an X user criticized Hansal Mehta of using ChatGPT to write the post. 'Hansal, you are a writer and filmmaker. It's disheartening that filmmakers like you are using Chatgpt to express even their smallest perspectives… Whatever your opinion, it should be original, without relying on AI," wrote the netizen. Hansal Mehta replied to this, and wrote, 'It is my opinion. In my words. Grammar corrected by AI. React to the thought please."
Meanwhile, another X user wrote, 'very chatgpty tweet," to which he replied, 'Fair enough Just sharing a thought on giving films more ways to reach audiences and survive beyond opening weekend."
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