Aamir Khan's upcoming film *Sitaare Zameen Par* has ignited a firestorm of controversy following the release of its trailer on May 13, 2025. While the movie aims to be a heartfelt sports drama focusing on neurodivergent children, it has come under intense scrutiny for its striking resemblance to the Spanish film *Campeones* and its Hollywood remake *Champions*.
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The Premise: Familiar Yet Heartfelt
In *Sitaare Zameen Par*, Aamir Khan portrays a disgraced basketball coach who, after a legal mishap, is sentenced to coach a team of children on the autism spectrum. The film also features Genelia Deshmukh as Khan's romantic interest, adding an emotional layer to the narrative. The storyline mirrors that of *Campeones*, where a similar premise unfolds.
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Accusations of Plagiarism: A Frame-by-Frame Copy?
The trailer's release led to a flurry of online discussions, with many netizens accusing the film of being a "scene-by-scene" copy of *Champions*. Comparative videos and posts on platforms like Reddit highlight the uncanny similarities between the two films. Critics argue that such a faithful replication borders on creative laziness, especially considering Khan's previous adaptation of *Forrest Gump* in *Laal Singh Chaddha*, which also faced backlash .
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Public Reaction: Mixed Emotions
The public's response has been a mix of admiration and criticism. While some viewers praise the film's intent to shed light on neurodivergent children and appreciate its emotional depth, others express disappointment over its lack of originality. Social media platforms are rife with comments ranging from calling Khan a "perfectionist in copying" to defending the film as an official remake that brings an important story to a broader audience
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The Bigger Picture: Bollywood's Remake Culture
This controversy has reignited debates about Bollywood's increasing reliance on remakes. While adaptations are not new to the industry, the expectation is for filmmakers to infuse originality and cultural context into their versions. Critics argue that *Sitaare Zameen Par* misses an opportunity to present a unique perspective on neurodiversity within the Indian context .
🗓️ Looking Ahead: Release and Reception
Despite the backlash, *Sitaare Zameen Par* is slated for release on June 20, 2025. It remains to be seen whether the film will resonate with audiences or be overshadowed by the controversy surrounding its originality. As the debate continues, the film's performance at the box office will likely serve as a litmus test for Bollywood's approach to remakes and the importance of creative authenticity.
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