KARACHI:
Diljit Dosanjh’s latest horror-comedy, Sardaar Ji 3, co-starring Hania Aamir, has rewritten Punjabi cinema history — without ever screening in India. The third instalment of the popular Sardaar Ji franchise premiered internationally on June 27, grossing approximately USD5 million in just 10 days from overseas markets, making it the top-grossing Punjabi film of the year.
Despite being blocked in India, Sardaar Ji 3 posted strong numbers across North America, the UK, the Gulf, and Pakistan. According to Hindustan Times, the film registered the third-highest global opening for a Punjabi-language title, trailing only behind Jatt & Juliet 3. If momentum continues, Sardaar Ji 3 may become the highest-grossing Punjabi film in international markets.
The film also released in Pakistan, where sold-out screenings were reported. However, box office numbers were not recorded over the opening weekend due to cinema closures during Muharram.
The decision to skip Indian cinemas followed rising political tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. After regulatory film bodies urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold approval, the film’s trailer was geo-blocked in India. Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) were among collectives that slammed collaboration with Pakistani artists. AICWA insisted that the Indian film industry “stand united and not associate with Diljit in any professional capacity,” while some voices accused the singer-actor of “working with a terrorist” — a reference to Hania’s casting.
In the wake of the controversy, speculation was rife that Diljit had been removed from the upcoming film Border 2. However, the Punjabi star was quick to dispel rumours. In a behind-the-scenes video later posted to Instagram, Diljit was also spotted on the set of No Entry 2, seen laughing with co-stars Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Mona Singh.
In an interview with Haroon Rashid on BBC Asian Network, Diljit defended his choice to work with Hania. “When this film was being made, the [political] situation was fine,” he said, citing financial risk from blocking international release. Diljit maintained that producers had already lost “a lot of money” after refusing to release the film in India. “But the situation is out of our hands, and [the producers] have my full support,” he added.
When asked about sharing the screen with Hania, the actor-singer had only good things to say. “My experience with Hania was very good,” stated Diljit in a short but sweet commendation. “She was professional when we were working. We didn’t have that much time together, though.”
Completing the film’s leading trio is Canadian-Punjabi actor Neeru Bajwa of Jatt & Juliet fame who was quick to unfollow Hania on Instagram amid backlash. Neeru also appeared to have removed all promotional material for Sardaar Ji 3 from her IG grid.
On the Pakistani side, celebrities including Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas, Anoushey Ashraf, and Aiman Khan took to social media to praise Hania and express support for the collaboration.
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