Why did Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par cost Rs 100 on YouTube but Rs 179 on Apple TV?
Why was Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par priced differently across platforms? While YouTube users paid Rs 100, Apple TV users faced a Rs 179 tag. The team has responded, but is it enough to calm outraged fans? Find out what happened.
New Delhi: Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s team has issued an apology after Apple users spotted a pricing discrepancy while renting Sitaare Zameen Par. For those who missed it, the film was released via YouTube’s pay-per-view model on August 1 at an affordable price of Rs 100. However, iPhone users were surprised to see a rental cost of Rs 179, nearly double the advertised rate on Apple TV.
The issue quickly caught the attention of fans on social media and was acknowledged by Aamir Khan’s team in an official statement posted online. "Our sincere apologies,” the post read. "We just became aware that the cost to rent our film Sitaare Zameen Par is reflecting as Rs 179 on Apple devices. We are trying to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Why were iPhone users charged double for Sitaare Zameen Par?
Aamir’s team explained that this price variation occurred due to a technical error on Apple’s end. Immediate steps were reportedly being taken to rectify the glitch.
Check out the tweet below!
The decision to bypass OTT platforms and launch the film independently on YouTube was seen as a bold move by the veteran actor-producer. Instead of partnering with a traditional streaming service, Khan opted for direct viewer access through his official YouTube channel, Aamir Khan Talkies. The Mangal Panday actor described the move as a way to bring back affordability and control to the audience and creators alike.
Speaking to ANI, Aamir said, "Multiplexes started in 2005-06. The investment in them was very high, so the prices of tickets and eatables also increased... The model I have created solves this problem.” He added, "This will also give creators the option to decide the price of their content. They can show the film to the audience at Rs 50 or Rs 25 per view... Series and short-form content are also available in this model.”
About Sitaare Zameen Par
The film is an adaptation of the acclaimed Spanish sports drama Champeons, which had already seen a theatrical release in June. Now available on YouTube, it marks a shift in distribution strategy that may reshape how mid-budget films reach their audiences.