Two cinematic titans, Aamir Khan and Dhanush, are set to collide at the box office on June 20.
Aamir’s Redemption Arc: ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ Shines with Heart and Humor
Box Office Battle – After a three-year hiatus, Aamir Khan returns to the silver screen with Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual successor to his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. Directed by R.S. Prasanna, the film blends humor and heart in a sports-comedy format, telling the story of a disgraced basketball coach tasked with training a team of neurodivergent players. With Genelia Deshmukh as the female lead and ten debutant actors portraying the team, the film promises a fresh, inclusive narrative.
Table of Contents
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted the film a U/A certificate after recommending five changes, including edits to political references and brand mentions. Despite the minor turbulence, the film is now cleared for a wide release across 3,250 screens in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Advance bookings have been promising, with over 38,000 tickets sold and a projected Day 1 gross of ₹3.6 crore. While not record-breaking, the numbers reflect solid interest, especially in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Aamir’s fans are hopeful this film will redeem the lukewarm reception of Laal Singh Chaddha and restore his box office dominance.
Dhanush’s ‘Kuberaa’: A Gritty Socio-Drama with Pan-India Appeal
On the other side of the ring is Kuberaa, a multilingual socio-political drama directed by Sekhar Kammula. Starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh, the film explores themes of power, rebellion, and systemic inequality. Dhanush plays a beggar who challenges the status quo, while Nagarjuna portrays a money-driven mogul. The trailer hints at a layered narrative packed with emotion, action, and ideological conflict.
The CBFC demanded 19 cuts, trimming nearly 14 minutes from the original runtime. Despite this, Kuberaa has retained its intensity and is set to release in five languages, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam,across 6,000+ shows.
Advance bookings have been particularly strong overseas, with $210,000 (₹1.8 crore) already earned in North America alone. In India, over 12,000 tickets have been sold via BookMyShow, with a surge in last-minute bookings expected. The film’s pan-India appeal and ensemble cast give it a strong edge in regional markets.
Clash of Titans: Buzz, Bookings, and the Battle for Hearts
The simultaneous release of Sitaare Zameen Par and Kuberaa has created a buzz not seen since Gadar 2 and OMG 2 clashed in 2023. Both films cater to different sensibilities, Aamir’s film leans on emotional upliftment and humor, while Dhanush’s is a gritty, socially charged narrative. Yet, both share a common thread: powerful storytelling and star-driven anticipation.
Trade analysts predict a neck-and-neck opening weekend. While Sitaare Zameen Par may dominate in urban multiplexes, Kuberaa is expected to perform strongly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, especially in the South. Word-of-mouth will be the ultimate decider, with both films relying on emotional resonance to sustain momentum.
The CBFC cuts have only added to the intrigue. While Aamir reportedly resisted some of the suggested edits, a compromise was reached just in time. Kuberaa, on the other hand, underwent significant trimming, sparking curiosity about what was left on the cutting room floor.
Conclusion: Box Office Battle
June 20 isn’t just another Friday, it’s a cinematic collision of vision, voice, and verve. Whether audiences gravitate toward Aamir’s feel-good redemption tale or Dhanush’s raw socio-political drama, one thing is certain: Bollywood is back in the business of bold storytelling. As the curtains rise, the only question that remains is, who will win the hearts of India?
Also read – Kuberaa Trailer Set for Grand Unveiling: Dhanush’s Dual Role Sparks Massive Hype