Aamir Khan To Visit Lagaan's Kunariya Village After 25 Years To Screen Sitaare Zameen Par
Aamir Khan to screen Sitaare Zameen Par in the same village where Lagaan was shot.
Twenty-five years after shooting Lagaan in the dusty village of Kunariya near Bhuj, Aamir Khan is returning. This time, it's not to shoot a film, but to share one. The actor will host a special screening of his latest film, Sitaare Zameen Par, in the same village that played a major role in shaping one of Indian cinema's most iconic productions.
This emotional homecoming reflects Aamir's bond with Kunariya, where he spent several months filming Lagaan in 2000. The film, set in the fictional village of Champaner, was shot in and around this rural region of Kutch. It went on to receive both national and international acclaim, including an Oscar nomination.
Cinema For Everyone With 'Janta Ka Theatre'
According to Bollywood Hungama, the screening is part of Aamir's new initiative, Janta Ka Theatre, which aims to make films more accessible by releasing them directly on YouTube. The idea is simple. It's to bring cinema to the people, wherever they live, allowing everyone to enjoy it without needing to visit a theatre.
Aamir has chosen Kunariya as the first stop for this campaign, underscoring his intent to connect with audiences beyond India's major cities. Meanwhile, a source from the film industry told Bollywood Hungama, 'Aamir was deeply moved by the idea of reconnecting with the people of Kunariya, a village that holds immense emotional and cinematic value for him. He wanted to express gratitude and share his latest film with the community that played such a crucial role in one of his biggest milestones."
A Film That Echoes Lagaan's Spirit
Just like Lagaan, Sitaare Zameen Par focuses on strong emotions, values that remain central to Aamir's storytelling style. The screening is expected to be a small, personal event, Bollywood Hungama states.
Aamir will also take time to meet with villagers, relive memories and visit the old shooting locations. For him, this isn't just a trip down memory lane, it is a way of bringing cinema full circle, from reel to digital, and from urban theatres to rural courtyards.
YouTube Release On August 1
At a press conference in Mumbai on July 29, Aamir announced that Sitaare Zameen Par would not be released on any OTT platform. Instead, it will be available on YouTube from August 1 for Rs 100 in India, according to Hindustan Times.
The film will also be released in multiple countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, and Spain, with local pricing. Viewers will have the option of subtitles and some dubbed versions.
This YouTube-first release and the special village screening mark a new chapter in how Aamir Khan wants to share his stories, with more people, more directly and more meaningfully.
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