By Anil Merani: Aamir Khan Productions changed its social media display picture to the Indian National Flag amid boycott calls for the upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, set to release on June 20, 2025. The boycott stems from two main issues: Aamir Khan’s perceived delayed support for Operation Sindoor, a military operation against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and a resurfaced 2020 video of Aamir meeting Turkey’s First Lady, Emine Erdogan. This meeting is controversial because Turkey is perceived to be supportive of Pakistan, especially during recent India-Pakistan tensions. Many online critics view the flag change as “damage control” rather than genuine patriotism, with comments on platforms like X and Reddit suggesting it’s a strategic move to counter negative publicity. For instance, users have remarked, “Bekaar mein damage control kar rahe hain” (They’re doing pointless damage control) and questioned the timing of Aamir’s nationalist gestures, noting they coincided with the film’s trailer launch on May 13, 2025.
Will Aamir’s flag change assuage public anger? It’s a complex situation. While it’s unlikely to quell the backlash fully, there are mixed reactions from fans and critics. The sentiment on social media, particularly on X, indicates scepticism about Aamir’s intentions, with hashtags like #BoycottSitaareZameenPar trending. Critics argue the flag change feels performative, especially given Aamir’s silence during the initial phase of Operation Sindoor and the lingering resentment over his Turkey visit. Some users have even called it a “publicity stunt” tied to the film’s promotion. However, Aamir has supporters, such as TV actor Arjit Taneja, who argue that not posting immediately doesn’t make someone “anti-national.” Some fans appreciate the flag gesture as a show of solidarity.
The polarised reactions to Aamir’s flag change suggest that while it may mitigate anger for some fans, it’s unlikely to sway those who have already committed to the boycott. The film’s box office performance will be a fascinating watch, as it will likely depend on Aamir’s ability to shift focus to its content—a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par—and navigate the controversy without further escalation.
