Aamir Khan, often hailed as Bollywood’s “Mr. Perfectionist” for his dedication to thoughtful storytelling and social themes, has found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy. The trailer of his much-anticipated film Sitaare Zameen Par was recently released to a wave of mixed reactions. While some lauded its heartwarming premise and emotional depth, a significant section of social media users and film enthusiasts have raised concerns over the film’s apparent resemblance to the 2018 Spanish sports comedy Champions (Campeones), accusing the Bollywood project of lacking originality.
The trailer, which introduces Aamir as a basketball coach leading a team of children with intellectual disabilities, appeared to strike a familiar chord with cinephiles who had previously watched Champions. That film, which received critical acclaim internationally, followed a similar storyline—a troubled coach finds redemption while working with a special needs basketball team, eventually learning life-changing lessons from them. The overlap in narrative structure, tone, and even character dynamics has sparked a debate online, with many calling out the similarities as too stark to ignore.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #SitaareZameenPar began trending shortly after the trailer launch—initially filled with praise but soon overtaken by posts expressing disappointment. “Aamir Khan isn’t inspired by stories—he replicates them,” one user wrote. Another added, “Bollywood’s obsession with remaking or rehashing foreign content continues. At least acknowledge the original.” Some even sarcastically dubbed the actor a “perfectionist in copying,” a play on his well-known reputation for creative excellence and meticulous attention to detail.
The backlash has particularly struck a nerve because Sitaare Zameen Par is being positioned as a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par, Aamir’s acclaimed 2007 film that highlighted the struggles of a child with dyslexia. The earlier film was applauded for its originality, emotional storytelling, and ability to spark a national conversation about learning disorders. Expectations for Sitaare Zameen Par were, understandably, sky-high—making the allegations of unoriginality even more disappointing for fans.
While Aamir Khan and his production house have not officially responded to the plagiarism claims, sources close to the film suggest that Sitaare Zameen Par is not an outright remake, but rather an adaptation inspired by global narratives on inclusivity and personal transformation. However, the lack of acknowledgment of Champions in promotions or interviews has only intensified public scrutiny.
Film critics and commentators are also weighing in on the discussion. Some argue that the thematic overlap with Champions is undeniable, and that audiences deserve transparency, especially when a film draws heavy inspiration from existing works. Others have noted that adaptation isn’t inherently negative—provided it brings something new to the table and offers a localized, culturally resonant experience.
Amid the criticism, there are still supporters of the film who believe that the intent of Sitaare Zameen Par—to shed light on neurodiverse children and the power of inclusive sports—is noble and important. “Even if it takes cues from another film, if it opens hearts and minds in India, it’s worth making,” wrote one viewer. Still, they emphasized the importance of crediting original creators and being upfront about source material.
This isn’t the first time Bollywood has come under fire for lifting ideas from international cinema. What sets this incident apart is the subject matter’s sensitivity and the high regard in which Aamir Khan is generally held for pushing boundaries and championing original content.
As the film heads toward its release, the controversy adds an unexpected layer to its reception. Whether Sitaare Zameen Par will win hearts like its predecessor or continue to face backlash for perceived imitation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—the conversation around creativity, originality, and ethical storytelling in Indian cinema has once again taken center stage, with Aamir Khan and his new film at the heart of it.
