Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s superhit comedy sequel Sardaar Ji 3 has hit international markets today, slated across Canada, the UK, Australia, Pakistan, the US and UAE, despite being withheld from Indian cinemas following a political storm sparked by its casting.
Sardaar Ji 3: Casting Sparks Outrage
The controversy began after Sardaar Ji 3 was revealed to feature Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The film was shot in February 2025, before heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, especially in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent micro‑conflict through Operation Sindoor.
Following the attack, a nationwide industry directive led by FWICE banned Pakistani artists from Indian projects. Although the producers had secured Hania before the events unfolded, they ultimately decided not to release the film in India to avoid inflaming national sentiments.
Co-producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu described the situation starkly: “she hit below the belt” when referring to Hania’s comments on Operation Sindoor, adding that the film would take a 40% hit in revenue without an India release.
Diljit Responds to Hania Amir Controversy
Diljit Dosanjh clarified in a BBC Asian Network interview that, “When the film was shot, the situation was fine…it was shot in February. A lot of things happened after that which are not in our control. The producers decided that they can’t release this film in India anymore. But…they decided to release it overseas as they have invested a lot of money”.
He also praised Hania’s professionalism: “Hania Aamir is good. She is very professional.”
(Also read: Fact Check: Diljit Dosanjh ‘not replaced’ In Border 2 Despite Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy)
Social Media Buzz around Overseas Release
Reports from Toronto, London and Karachi suggest packed theatres and enthusiastic audiences, with several international markets selling out shows. On X, The Canadian Tou tweeted: “Scenes from Toronto: #SardaarJi3 mania is real! Back‑to‑back sold out shows.” Likewise, Lollywood reported: “Massive rush in Canadian cinemas” as fans celebrated the film’s global arrival.
FWICE Escalated Matters
FWICE escalated matters by petitioning for Diljit’s removal from other projects such as Border 2 and even urging the government to revoke filming permissions at NDA locations. Yet major voices in the industry came to Diljit’s defence: Imtiaz Ali upheld his patriotism, while Javed Akhtar criticised the politicization of art, noting it was Indian investors who stood to lose.
With Sardaar Ji 3 now out overseas, its box office performance in international circuits could set a new record for Punjabi cinema assuming the momentum sustains. Meanwhile, the ban in India remains unless political tensions ease and the filmmakers reconsider. Diljit, Neeru Bajwa, and the team have paused Indian promotions entirely.
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