3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From 'Laal Singh Chaddha' to 'Sitaare Zameen Par' Aamir Khan remakes trigger backlash: Here's why
Once celebrated as Bollywood's most thoughtful storyteller, Aamir Khan now finds himself frequently trolled for the very trait that once set him apart—his commitment to emotional, meaningful narratives.
With Laal Singh Chaddha underperforming at the box office and Sitaare Zameen Par already facing early skepticism, Khan's recent choices—particularly remakes—have come under heavy scrutiny. But what's really behind the backlash? Are the films themselves flawed, or has the audience's taste evolved?
Looking Back: The Case of Laal Singh Chaddha
Released in 2022, Laal Singh Chaddha was Khan's ambitious remake of the beloved Hollywood classic Forrest Gump. Remaking such a globally acclaimed film was a bold move, requiring originality, balance, and cultural sensitivity.
However, the film struggled to resonate with Indian audiences. Many found it slow-paced, overly sentimental, and lacking the charm of the original. Despite its noble intentions, the storytelling failed to strike a chord.
Remakes in the Era of Fast Content
Today's viewers are drawn to content that's fast, fresh, and instantly engaging—whether it's viral web series, short-form videos, or meme-worthy moments. In this landscape, emotional remakes can feel outdated or overly familiar.
Aamir's storytelling, often layered and reflective, goes against the current tide of quick entertainment. His aim to spark meaningful conversations is commendable, but in the 2025 attention economy, it can feel out of sync.
Early Doubts Over Sitaare Zameen Par
Scheduled for release on 20 June 2025, Sitaare Zameen Par is pitched as a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par. This time, the narrative flips—children with special needs help a struggling adult, portrayed by Khan.
While the concept is promising and uplifting, early reactions have been mixed. Critics argue it feels like another emotional retread, raising concerns of a "preachy" storyline repeating past themes.
Changing Audiences or Misplaced Criticism?
Aamir Khan has never shied away from bold storytelling—from Dangal to PK, he has tackled social issues with depth and nuance. But in an age where content is consumed at high speed, and emotions are condensed into seconds, his deliberate style may feel heavy to some. The shift isn't necessarily about his films failing—it's about a cultural pivot in how stories are received.
How did the internet react?
Look how much love people have for this is only inviting trolling upon himself by naming his next movie "Sitaare Zameen Par". Title change karo Aamir bhai, abhi bhi time hain 🙏🏻
Aamir Khan is not an is the most decorated plagiarizer in the history of Indian scene copied. Music in a flat voice, on a flatter face. "Sitare Zameen Par"
Because his movie's trailer was going to release today, this is what the b@stard did yesterday. Until then he was quiet!#AamirKhan #SitaareZameenPar
What's Next for Aamir Khan—and Bollywood?
The backlash against Khan's recent work is not merely a rejection of his choices but a reflection of evolving audience preferences. As Bollywood adapts to the demands of digital-age viewers, the question remains: should Aamir Khan change with the times, experiment with new formats, or stay rooted in emotional cinema, knowing it may not always be universally understood?
Whatever the answer, one thing is certain—his films still spark conversation. And maybe that, in itself, is the point. Will you give his next story a chance?
