The trailer release of Aamir Khan‘s upcoming film, “Sitaare Zameen Par,” has been met with a wave of online discussion, but not entirely for the reasons the filmmakers might have hoped. While some viewers expressed excitement for the sports drama, a significant portion of the internet has erupted with accusations of plagiarism, alleging that the film is a direct and near “frame by frame copy” of the 2023 Hollywood movie, “Champions.” Adding another layer to the controversy, “Champions” itself is a remake of the acclaimed 2018 Spanish film, “Campeones.” Â
The premise of “Sitaare Zameen Par” revolves around a hot-headed basketball coach, played by Aamir Khan, who is court-ordered to train a team of intellectually disabled individuals. This storyline immediately drew comparisons to “Champions,” starring Woody Harrelson, which features a similar narrative of a disgraced coach managing a basketball team of players with intellectual disabilities as part of community service.
Netizens have been swift in pointing out the uncanny similarities between the trailers of “Sitaare Zameen Par” and “Champions.” Social media platforms are flooded with side-by-side comparisons, highlighting similar scenes, character arcs, and even specific shots. Some users have gone as far as to label the Bollywood film a “scene-to-scene remake” and a “copy-paste job,” expressing disappointment at the perceived lack of originality.
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about Bollywood’s trend of adapting international films. While remakes are not uncommon in the Indian film industry, the close resemblance of “Sitaare Zameen Par” to its Hollywood and Spanish predecessors has raised questions about creative integrity and the need for substantial adaptation to suit local audiences and culture.
Interestingly, it has been noted that “Sitaare Zameen Par” is an official remake of “Campeones,” for which Aamir Khan Productions has reportedly acquired the rights. This would technically mean the film is an authorized adaptation rather than an outright case of copyright infringement. However, the “frame by frame” similarity in the promotional material has still led to criticism regarding the extent of creative input and localization in the Hindi version.
Some argue that even with official remake rights, filmmakers have a responsibility to offer a fresh perspective or significant cultural reinterpretation. The direct replication of scenes and narrative beats has left some viewers feeling that it misses an opportunity to explore the themes of inclusivity and neurodiversity through a uniquely Indian lens.
Conversely, some voices online have defended the film, suggesting that many Indian audiences may not have seen “Champions” or “Campeones,” and what ultimately matters is whether “Sitaare Zameen Par” resonates emotionally and cinematically with them. They also point out that official remakes are a common practice globally.
The debate surrounding “Sitaare Zameen Par” highlights the complexities of adaptation in filmmaking and the fine line between homage and imitation. As the film gears up for its release on June 20, 2025, it remains to be seen how audiences will react to what appears to be a very faithful adaptation of a foreign film that itself was inspired by real-life events in Spain. The internet, however, has already delivered its verdict, leaving a cloud of déjà vu over Aamir Khan’s latest venture.