Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3 is facing a hurdle as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny the film its certification. The objection stems from speculation that the movie features Pakistani actors, which has stirred controversy amid existing tensions between India and Pakistan. The film is slated to release on June 27.

The FWICE's request is based on reports suggesting that Sardaar Ji 3 includes Pakistani actors Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela in its cast. This aligns with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's directives that prohibit Pakistani content and collaborations with Pakistani artists in Indian productions.

The controversy initially sparked when Diljit Dosanjh shared behind-the-scenes photos from the film's set. One photo showed him wearing a T-shirt with a partially visible woman's face, leading some to believe it was Hania Aamir. However, Dosanjh clarified the situation by posting a full picture of the T-shirt, revealing that the face was actually that of veteran actress Michelle Yeoh.

Despite Dosanjh's clarification, FWICE has maintained its stance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the government's advisory and considering national interests. In a letter to CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi, the film body urged the board to align with the directives and deny certification to Sardaar Ji 3. The letter also stated, "We appreciate CBFC's impartial and rigorous certification process and trust that you will give due consideration to this request."

Adding to the film's woes, the Bharatiya Janata Party's Chitrapat Kamgar Aghaadi has also demanded a ban on Sardaar Ji 3, citing the inclusion of Pakistani actors as a matter of national sentiment and dignity. The union stated, "We strongly oppose any Pakistani artist being associated with Indian cinema. The BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Union demands that Sardaar Ji 3 should not be allowed to receive a censor certificate. This is not just a political issue—it is about national sentiment and the dignity of our country."

This is not the first time a Diljit Dosanjh film has faced censorship issues. His film Punjab 95, a biopic on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been indefinitely postponed due to censorship concerns. However, Dosanjh's recent performance in the Hindi film Amar Singh Chamkila directed by Imtiaz Ali, has been critically acclaimed.

The situation surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 highlights the complexities of artistic collaborations in the context of political tensions. The CBFC's decision on whether to certify the film remains to be seen, but the FWICE's appeal and the broader debate reflect the ongoing sensitivity around cross-border collaborations in the Indian film industry.