Diljit Dosanjh Claims Sardaar Ji 3 Success: International Box Office Soars Despite India Release Absence

Jul 02, 2025
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Despite facing a ban in India, Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3 is reportedly "smashing records" overseas, particularly in Pakistan. The film, a Punjabi horror-comedy and the third installment in the Sardaar Ji series, was released internationally on June 27, 2025.

The decision to not release Sardaar Ji 3 in India stemmed from controversies surrounding the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film's release in India. The FWICE also reportedly sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding strict action against Dosanjh, including the cancellation of his Indian citizenship, due to Aamir's casting.

Dosanjh addressed the controversy, stating that the film was shot in February when relations between the two countries were stable. He expressed support for the producers' decision to release the film overseas, acknowledging the financial losses incurred by not releasing in India. He also spoke warmly of Aamir, emphasizing her professionalism during the shoot.

Despite the absence of a domestic release, Sardaar Ji 3 has performed well in international markets. Within its first weekend, the film grossed ₹18.1 crore worldwide. The film had a "record-breaking" overseas opening of ₹4.32 crore on its first day, which then climbed to ₹6.71 crore on the second day. On its third day, the movie earned ₹7.07 crore.

In Pakistan, Sardaar Ji 3 has achieved a significant milestone, earning PKR 3.5 crore on its opening day and becoming the highest-grossing Indian film opening in the country, surpassing the previous record held by Salman Khan's Sultan.

Diljit Dosanjh shared a video on Instagram showcasing the "overwhelming response" from audiences in Pakistan. According to reports, Sardaar Ji 3 also achieved the third-best opening day for a Punjabi film globally, following Jatt & Juliet 3 and Carry On Jatta.

The controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 has also reportedly had repercussions for Dosanjh's Bollywood projects, with some industry groups calling for his removal from the cast of Border 2. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has publicly supported Dosanjh, denouncing the "politics of targeting" him and describing him as a "national asset and a global ambassador of Indian culture".

Written By

Yash Menon

Yash Menon, an aspiring journalist with a keen interest in investigative reporting and a genuine passion for sports, is committed to factual storytelling. Having recently completed his journalism degree, Yash is eager to apply his skills professionally. He is particularly passionate about amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and exploring complex social issues with integrity and depth, drawing parallels from the dedication found in sports.