Aamir Khan: A Journey of Reinvention, Risk, and Record-Breaking Hits

Since the turn of the millennium, Aamir Khan has not just been a Bollywood actor—he has become a cinematic phenomenon. Known for his meticulous script choices, calculated career moves, and an almost obsessive commitment to quality, Aamir’s box office graph reflects not just the evolution of a superstar but also the transformation of Hindi cinema itself.

From genre-defining hits like Lagaan to socially resonant megablockbusters like Taare Zameen Par, Rang De Basanti, Dangal and PK, Aamir has repeatedly proven that content and commerce can go hand-in-hand.And now, in 2025, with the success of Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir has added another feather to his cap. The R.S. Prasanna-directed emotional drama has crossed Rs 148.7 crore in just 18 days, making it the 5th highest-grossing film of his career, and a powerful comeback after the lukewarm response to Laal Singh Chaddha in 2022.The Early 2000s: Setting the Stage for a New EraThe 2000s began on a promising note for Aamir Khan with Lagaan (2001), which not only became a massive critical and commercial success but also earned an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Followed by Dil Chahta Hai (2001), which redefined urban storytelling, Aamir was already reshaping the image of a Bollywood leading man.But the true reinvention came with Rang De Basanti (2006) and Taare Zameen Par , which grossed over Rs 52 crore and Rs 62 crore respectively at the domestic box office—a significant number for its time—and made Aamir the face of socially conscious cinema with mass appeal.

2008–2014: The Era of Record-Breaking BlockbustersThe release of Ghajini in 2008 (Rs 114 crore) marked the start of the Rs 100-crore club in Bollywood. Aamir not only starred in the film but transformed himself physically and stylistically, setting new standards for action films. His next, 3 Idiots (2009), became the highest-grossing Hindi film at the time, collecting Rs 202.47 crore and becoming a cultural landmark.The streak continued with Talaash (2012), a psychological thriller that may not have crossed Rs 100 crore but still earned a solid Rs 93.61 crore with niche appeal. Then came Dhoom 3 (2013), where Aamir played a dual role in a slick action heist, helping the franchise collect Rs 271.07 crore.But it was PK (2014), directed by Rajkumar Hirani, that truly solidified Aamir’s place in Bollywood history. With a staggering Rs 340.8 crore domestic haul, it stood as the highest-grossing Indian film at the time, tackling religion and blind faith with humour and heart.The Peak: Dangal and Global DominationIn 2016, Aamir released Dangal, a film that went beyond national records. With Rs 374.43 crore in India alone, the biographical sports drama became a monster hit. More importantly, its success in China made it one of the highest-grossing non-English films worldwide. Aamir had now become an international brand, especially in East Asia—a feat no other Bollywood star had achieved to such an extent.The film's impact wasn’t limited to box office numbers. It altered the way the industry viewed women-centric sports dramas and family storytelling. Dangal became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Aamir’s stature as the rare actor whose name alone could guarantee both quality and profitability.The Downturn: Thugs of Hindostan and Laal Singh ChaddhaAfter the massive success of Dangal, expectations from Aamir’s next were sky-high.

Unfortunately, Thugs of Hindostan (2018) failed to deliver. Despite earning Rs 145.55 crore at the box office, the film was panned critically and failed to sustain audience interest beyond the opening weekend. For most actors, that number would still be a success—but for Aamir, it was a disappointment.Worse still, Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), the official remake of Forrest Gump, turned out to be a rare box office misfire, earning just Rs 61.12 crore in India.

Despite Aamir’s heartfelt performance, the film couldn’t connect with audiences, hindered by controversy, poor pacing, and underwhelming word of mouth.The Comeback: Sitaare Zameen Par in 2025Fast forward to 2025, and Sitaare Zameen Par has brought Aamir Khan back into the top league. As of Day 18, the film has earned Rs 148.7 crore across all languages, making it the fifth highest-grosser of his career, behind only Dangal, PK, Dhoom 3, and 3 Idiots.

The emotional drama, which carries echoes of his earlier Taare Zameen Par, tapped into Aamir’s strongest skill—connecting with family audiences through emotionally resonant storytelling.The film opened with Rs 10.7 crore on Day 1 and built strong momentum over its opening weekend, closing Week 1 at Rs 88.9 crore. Despite competition from newer releases, the second weekend and third Sunday saw a strong hold, and with steady collections, it's expected to surpass Rs 160 crore by the end of its run.This comeback wasn’t just needed commercially—it was vital for reaffirming Aamir’s place in an industry that’s increasingly skewing toward spectacle and action-heavy content. Sitaare Zameen Par proves that strong emotional stories with a heart can still win at the box office.Aamir Khan’s Top 10 Grossers (India Net Collections)