Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par cuts Delhi shoot short due to expense; Raid 2 shifts filming from Delhi to Lucknow amidst soaring costs: Report

Aamir Khan is bringing Christmas cheer this year with his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par. This project promises to be both emotionally resonant and entertaining. Marking Khan's return to socially conscious cinema, the film tackles the challenges and triumphs of individuals with Down syndrome. Based on the Spanish sports dramedy Campeones, Sitaare Zameen Par is directed by RS Prasanna and began filming earlier this year. The movie is slated for a Christmas release.

The story revolves around Khan, playing a headstrong but ultimately kind-hearted basketball coach. As part of his community service, he's tasked with leading a Special Olympics basketball team. This team is anything but ordinary - it's brimming with talented individuals with diverse learning disabilities. News from the sets hints at a captivating narrative centred around the Paralympic Games, a prestigious international sporting event for differently-abled athletes.

Earlier, it was reported that the actor and the team would head to New Delhi for the shoot. However, there's a twist! Filming in Delhi, the capital of India has become significantly expensive. According to a report in Hindustan Times, the shooting permits for iconic locations like the Rajiv Chowk metro station or the international airport come with hefty price tags. Due to these rising costs, Sitaare Zameen Par's Delhi schedule has been significantly reduced. Originally planned for a month, the shoot will now be condensed to just 8-10 days in July. The team will likely recreate some Delhi scenes in other locations like Lucknow or Madhya Pradesh to stay within budget.

A source previously revealed to the publication that the film was to be shot extensively in Delhi, with iconic locations like Lal Qila (Red Fort), Lodhi Garden, Purani Dilli (Old Delhi), and Tyagraj Stadium serving as backdrops. “The schedule is set for one month, between May and June. The children will indulge in various Paralympic Games for the shoot. The schedule is set for one month, between May and June. The children will indulge in various Paralympic Games for the shoot,” the source said, adding, “It will be shot at different spots in Delhi, including Lal Qila, Lodhi Garden, Purani Dilli, and Tyagraj stadium. It is being shot in various parts of Delhi, as they don’t want all the kids to travel to NCR regions.”

Directed by RS Prasanna, the movie began filming in February 2024 and is slated to hit theatres by Christmas.

Interestingly, a few weeks ago, Bollywood Hungama reported Ajay Devgn starrer Raid 2 completed its final schedule in New Delhi. Interestingly, Raid 2 went on floors early this year, on January 6, 2024. The source continued, “The makers had meticulously planned the shoot. Everything went as per the plan and in less than four months, the shooting will conclude.” Besides Delhi and Lucknow, Raid 2 was also filmed in Mumbai and Rajasthan.

However, Hindustan Times reports that Ajay Devgn starrer also opted a similar module to cut down on the costs. “They shot in the city for four days, including India Gate, and then 47 days in Lucknow. Atleast 20-25 films in today’s time are being shot in Lucknow because of the subsidies and quick permissions,” a person from the production said.

Both Raid and Raid 2 are directed by Raj Kumar Gupta. It is all set to release in cinemas on November 15 this year. Raid 2 is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak and Krishan Kumar. The film is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series and is a Panorama Studios production. ALSO READ: Aamir Khan to kick off New Delhi shoot for Sitaare Zameen Par between May-June 2024: Report