Sardaar Ji 3

Film Faces Backlash Over Pakistani Actors

The much-anticipated Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has stirred significant controversy, leading to its decision to bypass a theatrical release in India. The film, set to premiere globally on June 27, 2025, will only be screened in overseas markets due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. This article explores the reasons behind the Sardaar Ji 3 India release cancellation, the backlash, and its implications for the film industry.

Why Sardaar Ji 3 Will Not Release in India

The decision to forego the Sardaar Ji 3 India release stems from heightened geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the tragic Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have strongly opposed the inclusion of Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, in the film. These organizations have called for a boycott of Sardaar Ji 3 and even urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification, citing national sentiment and recent directives against cross-border collaborations.

Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu defended the casting, stating that the film was shot before the recent India-Pakistan conflict escalated. To respect Indian sentiments, the makers opted for an overseas-only release, ensuring Sardaar Ji 3 avoids protests and political backlash in India. The trailer, released on June 22, 2025, by Diljit Dosanjh, is geo-blocked on YouTube in India, displaying the message, “The uploader has not made this video available in your country,” further confirming the Sardaar Ji 3 India release cancellation.

Public and Industry Reactions to the Controversy

The Sardaar Ji 3 India release decision has sparked polarized reactions. On social media, Indian fans have expressed disappointment and anger, with some calling Diljit Dosanjh a “country traitor” and demanding a boycott. Comments like “I will never watch this…Country first” and “Take Diljit out from Border 2” reflect the intensity of the backlash. Hania Aamir’s past anti-India remarks following India’s Operation Sindoor have further fueled the controversy, with her Instagram account also blocked in India.

Conversely, some fans and industry voices have praised Diljit’s resolve to retain the original cast, viewing the Sardaar Ji 3 India release skip as a bold move to prioritize artistic integrity over political pressures. Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu emphasized, “The film was shot before the conflict with Pakistan,” highlighting that the casting was not intended to provoke. The decision to limit Sardaar Ji 3 to overseas markets, including Pakistan, Canada, and the UK, has been dubbed a “power move” by some supporters, showcasing Diljit’s refusal to let art become collateral in geopolitical conflicts.

Key Reasons Behind the Sardaar Ji 3 India Release Ban

  • Geopolitical Tensions: The Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor intensified calls for banning Pakistani artists in Indian cinema.
  • Film Body Opposition: FWICE and AICWA demanded a boycott and urged the CBFC to withhold certification for Sardaar Ji 3 due to its Pakistani cast.
  • Public Backlash: Social media outrage targeted Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir, with some fans questioning the inclusion of Pakistani actors.
  • Geo-Blocked Trailer: The Sardaar Ji 3 trailer is inaccessible in India, aligning with the decision to avoid a domestic release.
  • Pre-Conflict Filming: The film was completed before the recent escalation, but producers chose to respect Indian sentiments by skipping the Sardaar Ji 3 India release.

Impact on Diljit Dosanjh and the Sardaar Ji Franchise

The Sardaar Ji 3 India release cancellation marks a significant moment for Diljit Dosanjh, a global Punjabi superstar known for his roles in Sardaar Ji (2015) and Sardaar Ji 2 (2016). The franchise, celebrated for its blend of humor, action, and supernatural elements, has a strong fanbase among Punjabi audiences worldwide. However, the decision to exclude India from the release has led to threats of a broader ban on Diljit by AICWA, which called for Indian producers and event organizers to avoid working with him.

Despite the backlash, Diljit has remained largely silent, letting his Instagram post announcing the Sardaar Ji 3 overseas release speak for itself: “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only 🌍 FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.” The trailer showcases Diljit as Jaggi, a quirky ghost hunter, alongside Hania Aamir, who plays a ghost hunter tackling supernatural chaos in a haunted UK mansion. The film, directed by Amar Hundal, promises the signature humor and action that fans expect, but the Sardaar Ji 3 India release absence has left Indian fans disappointed.

What’s Next for Sardaar Ji 3?

While the Sardaar Ji 3 India release is off the table for now, White Hill Studios has hinted at a possible future release in India, stating, “We truly appreciate your love and patience and will be sharing the India release date very soon.” However, with ongoing tensions and strong opposition from film bodies, a domestic release seems unlikely in the near term. The film’s overseas release on June 27, 2025, will test its global appeal, particularly in markets with significant Punjabi diaspora communities.

Broader Implications for Cross-Border Collaborations

The Sardaar Ji 3 India release controversy highlights the challenges of cross-border collaborations in Indian cinema. The Indian film industry has historically benefited from Pakistani talent, but political tensions often lead to bans and censorship. The Sardaar Ji 3 India release skip follows a similar fate for other projects, such as Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal, which was halted due to similar restrictions. This trend raises questions about artistic freedom versus national sentiment, with Sardaar Ji 3 becoming a focal point in this debate.

How Fans Can Still Enjoy Sardaar Ji Content

For Indian fans unable to watch Sardaar Ji 3 in theaters, several of Diljit Dosanjh’s earlier films are available on OTT platforms:

  • Sardaar Ji (2015): A record-breaking Punjabi film featuring Diljit as a ghost hunter.
  • Sardaar Ji 2 (2016): Continues the franchise’s humor and action with Sonam Bajwa.
  • Amar Singh Chamkila: A critically acclaimed biopic showcasing Diljit’s versatility.
  • Jatt & Juliet series: Popular romantic comedies with Neeru Bajwa.