Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming Punjabi film, Sardaar Ji 3, is generating significant buzz, but not all of it is positive. While the trailer has dropped and is set for an overseas release on June 27th, the film will not be released in India. This decision stems from the inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a prominent role, which has sparked controversy and backlash amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
The controversy began earlier this year with speculations about Hania Aamir's involvement in Sardaar Ji 3. These rumors gained traction after Dosanjh posted behind-the-scenes photos from the film set. Although Aamir wasn't clearly visible, social media users noticed similarities and pointed to the rumored presence of other Pakistani actors, including Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela.
Following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. This tragic event led to renewed calls for a ban on Pakistani artists working in the Indian film industry. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) strongly condemned the alleged inclusion of Hania Aamir and other Pakistani actors in Sardaar Ji 3. FWICE President BN Tiwari warned that any Indian artist collaborating with Pakistani talent would be deemed "non-cooperative" and potentially branded a "traitor," risking blacklisting.
FWICE escalated the matter by writing to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging them to deny certification to Sardaar Ji 3 due to national security concerns tied to the post-Pahalgam sentiment. The film body cited a recent government advisory asking filmmakers not to work with Pakistani artists.
In response to the growing uproar, Diljit Dosanjh attempted to clarify the situation. However, the backlash persisted. To avoid potential delays, protests, and political ramifications, the filmmakers have opted for an overseas-only release strategy. The trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 has been geo-blocked in India, with Indian viewers encountering a message stating, "The uploader has not made this video available in your country" when attempting to play it on YouTube. In contrast, the film's teaser and songs remain accessible to Indian users, suggesting that the trailer's restriction is primarily due to Hania Aamir's visible role in the film.
The decision to release Sardaar Ji 3 only in overseas markets has elicited mixed reactions from netizens. Some have expressed disappointment and disapproval of Dosanjh's decision to include Pakistani actors in the film, while others have defended his artistic freedom and expressed excitement about the film's release. Some online users have labelled Dosanjh a "shameless person" and are "disgusted" by his actions. Still others feel that it won't face much scrutiny as it is not a Bollywood film. Despite the controversy, many fans remain eager to see Sardaar Ji 3, with some calling it "LIT" and predicting that it will "break all the records".
Sardaar Ji 3 marks the third installment in Diljit Dosanjh's successful Sardaar Ji franchise, known for its light-hearted humor and fantasy elements. The film is based in the UK, where Diljit Dosanjh returns as Jaggi, the ghost hunter. He is called to a haunted mansion to remove an in-house ghost, and the trailer shows him and Hania Aamir, removing in-home witches and having face-offs with a ghost. The film also stars Neeru Bajwa, Jasmin Bajwa, Manav Vij, and Gulshan Grover.
