Punjabi cinema fans in Pakistan are in for a treat as Sardaar Ji 3. Starring Indian superstar Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani sensation Hania Aamir, is officially set to release across cinemas in Pakistan on Friday, June 27, 2025. The film, however, will not be screened in India after facing backlash and calls for a boycott over the casting of a Pakistani actress.
India Cancels Screening After Industry Pressure
Despite being a joint creative effort, the movie has been barred from Indian cinemas following resistance from two major Indian film bodies. The Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA). Both organizations publicly condemned the film for featuring Hania Aamir, citing ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.
In a joint statement, they criticized the filmmakers for casting a Pakistani artist. At a time when “emotions and national interest must take precedence over art and entertainment.” The film’s producers, responding to this pressure and increasing public scrutiny, announced the withdrawal of Sardaar Ji 3 from Indian theaters.
Pakistan Welcomes the Film with Open Arms
On the other side of the border, the film has been embraced. The Pakistani Censor Board has approved Sardaar Ji 3 for a nationwide release. Hania Aamir took to her Instagram account to announce the news. She shared a poster with the caption celebrating the film’s arrival in Pakistani cinemas.
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This move marks a unique turn in South Asian cinema history. A high-profile Punjabi-language film with cross-border talent is being released exclusively in one country while banned in another.
A Symbol of Cultural Crossover and Controversy
Originally envisioned as a pan-Punjabi film uniting talent from both countries, Sardaar Ji 3 was designed to break cultural barriers. The casting of Hania Aamir, a beloved figure in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, alongside Diljit Dosanjh. Who has a strong fanbase in both India and abroad, was meant to symbolize artistic collaboration beyond borders.
However, this spirit of cooperation has now been overshadowed by political tensions and protectionist sentiments in India. Despite the controversy, the film’s release in Pakistan is expected to attract strong box office numbers. Fueled by both the curiosity surrounding the ban and the popularity of its cast.
As Pakistan celebrates the release of Sardaar Ji 3, the film has already sparked conversation about censorship, nationalism, and the fine line between politics and art. Whether the film’s ban in India will impact future cross-border projects remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a symbol of both hope and conflict in the cultural exchange between two nations.
