Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par has sparked a wave of online debate following the release of its trailer, with social media users drawing comparisons between the film and the 2018 Spanish sports drama Champions. While some viewers praised the emotional tone and inspirational themes of the trailer, others accused Khan of lifting scenes “frame by frame” from the original.
One viral comment summarized the criticism: “Aamir Khan copies films frame by frame—that’s why he’s called a perfectionist.” The post, which juxtaposed visuals from Sitaare Zameen Par and Champions, gained traction across platforms and triggered both support and backlash from fans and critics alike.
Sitaare Zameen Par is reportedly centered on a group of children with intellectual disabilities who overcome adversity through sport—a premise nearly identical to Champions, in which a disgraced coach is assigned to train a basketball team of players with learning challenges. This thematic overlap has intensified scrutiny of Khan’s film, especially given his reputation for producing socially conscious cinema.
Despite the controversy, others have defended Khan’s creative choices, noting that adaptations of international films are not uncommon in the Indian film industry. Some fans argue that if the story is handled sensitively and tailored to the local context, it can still offer value regardless of its inspiration.
Khan, who previously starred in Taare Zameen Par (2007), another film centered on differently-abled children, has not publicly addressed the comparisons. With the film slated for release later this year, audiences will ultimately decide whether Sitaare Zameen Par stands on its own or simply walks a well-worn path.
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