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¡ªhis 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¡ªparticularly remakes¡ªhave 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

It was released in 2022 | Credit: YouTube

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¡ªwhether 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 In this landscape, emotional remakes can feel outdated or overly familiar.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

It is coming on 20th June | Credit: YouTube

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¡ªchildren 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¡ªfrom 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¡ªit's about a cultural pivot in how stories are received.

How did the internet react?

Look how much love people have for this movie.
Aamir is only inviting trolling upon himself by naming his next movie "Sitaare Zameen Par". Title change karo Aamir bhai, abhi bhi time hain ?? https://t.co/zNrCJ91iAY

¡ª Leap of Faith (@MalaaiLama) January 31, 2024

Aamir Khan is not an actor.
He is the most decorated plagiarizer in the history of Indian cinema.

Every scene copied. Music lifted.
Delivered in a flat voice, on a flatter face.

"Sitare Zameen Par" pic.twitter.com/Wel0n2KaQC

¡ª ?????? ???, ?????? ???, Mahaveer Jain (@Mahaveer_VJ) May 14, 2025

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 pic.twitter.com/nPXXK9lG2s

¡ª NV ?? (@rookie_tweet) May 13, 2025

What's Next for Aamir Khan¡ªand 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¡ªhis films still spark conversation. And maybe that, in itself, is the point. Will you give his next story a chance?

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