As Bollywood icon Aamir Khan gears up for the release of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, he finds himself embroiled in another controversy. The actor, known for both his cinematic brilliance and his past brushes with public backlash, is now facing sharp criticism over the timing of a tribute post from his production company, Aamir Khan Productions. The post, which honored the Indian Armed Forces and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their leadership during Operation Sindoor, was perceived by many as an opportunistic move designed to coincide with the launch of his film’s trailer.

Operation Sindoor Tribute Sparks Outrage on Social Media

On Tuesday evening, Aamir Khan Productions shared a post on Instagram saluting the Indian military’s retaliatory strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The caption read, “Saluting the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Jai Hind.” While some social media users lauded the post as a patriotic gesture, many others were quick to condemn it as delayed and politically motivated. Critics pointed out that Operation Sindoor had occurred over a week earlier, and the tribute only emerged on the day Khan's film trailer dropped.

This perceived strategic timing led to accusations of exploiting patriotism for film promotion, with users questioning why the tribute wasn’t posted earlier if the sentiments were genuine. The situation escalated rapidly, fueling a wave of online criticism.

#BoycottAamirKhan Trends Once Again

By Thursday morning, hashtags like #BoycottAamirKhan had taken over X (formerly Twitter), as angry netizens accused the actor of using national sentiments to boost publicity for Sitaare Zameen Par. Many recalled his past statements on intolerance in India, arguing that the current tribute post contradicts his earlier positions and reflects political opportunism.

Numerous tweets labeled him “anti-national”, suggesting that the delayed post was a calculated PR stunt. Memes and edited posters of Sitaare Zameen Par flooded social platforms, often accompanied by boycott messages and harsh criticism of Khan’s public persona.

Critics Question Actor’s Silence and Strategy

One major point of contention for critics was Aamir Khan’s personal silence. While the tribute was issued by his production company, the actor himself did not make a statement. Given that Khan has distanced himself from social media, his silence was seen by some as a strategic move to avoid direct accountability, leaving the responsibility of public communication to his team.

Many social media users highlighted this gap, noting that while his films continue to push strong messages, the actor appears reluctant to engage directly with the audience on matters of public interest or controversy.

Sitaare Zameen Par: A Spiritual Sequel to Taare Zameen Par

Amid the ongoing outrage, attention also remains on the content of the film itself. Sitaare Zameen Par is being promoted as a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Taare Zameen Par (2007), which addressed the emotional and academic struggles of a dyslexic child. In this new venture, Aamir Khan plays a frustrated basketball coach tasked with mentoring a team of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The film also stars Genelia D’Souza and introduces ten fresh faces in prominent roles. With a screenplay by Divy Nidhi Sharma and direction by RS Prasanna, the film is set to release in theaters on June 20.

The movie is expected to offer a powerful mix of sports drama and social message, aiming to celebrate human potential and perseverance, especially among individuals who are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Public Sentiment Could Impact Box Office Performance

While Sitaare Zameen Par deals with a heartfelt and socially relevant storyline, the growing calls for a boycott may cast a shadow over its box office performance. In the past, controversies surrounding Bollywood stars have often led to divided public opinion and, in some cases, tangible losses at the box office.

The combination of political undertones, nationalistic sentiments, and the timing of marketing efforts makes this situation particularly complex. Whether audiences choose to separate the art from the artist remains to be seen.

Will Aamir Khan Respond?

As of now, Aamir Khan has not addressed the controversy publicly. His continued absence from social media leaves fans and critics alike speculating about whether he will break his silence before the film’s release. The production house appears to be handling all external communication, possibly in a bid to manage the narrative without drawing the actor directly into the storm.

Whether this strategy will succeed—or whether the backlash will further intensify—remains uncertain. What’s clear is that Sitaare Zameen Par will not just be judged for its story or performances but also for the context in which it enters the public eye.

Final Thoughts: A Test of Public Perception

Aamir Khan's legacy as an actor and filmmaker is undeniable, but his latest PR controversy underscores the increasingly fragile balance between celebrity image, national sentiment, and promotional strategy in the digital age. As Sitaare Zameen Par prepares to hit the big screen, the audience’s response will be a key indicator of how much sway public controversies still hold in shaping cinematic success.

Whether the film can rise above the noise and deliver a strong message of hope and inclusion—or get drowned in the tides of public outrage—will be known soon enough.