Actor Diljit Dosanjh's much-anticipated film Sardaar Ji 3 will not release in India, as it stars Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir. The decision to restrict the film to an overseas release comes in the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
Diljit shared the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 on Instagram, revealing that the film will premiere on June 27 overseas only. His caption read: “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.” Notably, the trailer has been geo-blocked in India, with YouTube showing a message: "The uploader has not made this video available in your country." However, the teaser and songs are still visible in India.
The film is a horror-comedy, featuring Hania Aamir as a ghost hunter, alongside Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa. Set in the UK, the story revolves around ghostbusting and promises to be a satire filled with humour and thrills.
But controversy erupted over the casting of several Pakistani actors, including Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) raised strong objections and urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification to the film. In a letter addressed to CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi, FWICE cited recent Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directives prohibiting collaboration with Pakistani talent, aligning their request with national interest.
This comes after FWICE had earlier blocked another cross-border project—Abir Gulaal, a Hindi film marking Fawad Khan's comeback in Indian cinema.
In light of the government’s directive and industry sentiment, Sardaar Ji 3 will only be screened outside India. The development reflects the deepening divide in cultural exchange amid geopolitical tensions between the two countries.
