The casting of Diljit Dosanjh in the upcoming war drama "Border 2" has become a subject of controversy, potentially leading to his replacement by Ammy Virk. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has expressed strong disapproval of Dosanjh's involvement in the film, citing his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the Punjabi film "Sardaar Ji 3" as a violation of national sentiment.
FWICE, representing a significant portion of the Indian film and television workforce, has formally requested that "Border 2" producers reconsider their decision to cast Dosanjh. In letters addressed to key figures such as Bhushan Kumar of T-Series and actor Sunny Deol, the federation emphasized its stance against collaboration with Pakistani artists, especially in light of ongoing tensions between the two countries. The FWICE reminded the filmmakers of the 2019 ban on Pakistani collaborations that was put in place following the Pulwama attack.
The controversy arose after Diljit Dosanjh released the trailer for "Sardaar Ji 3," which features Hania Aamir. This sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many Indian netizens expressing their disappointment. FWICE characterized Dosanjh's actions as a "serious insult to national feelings" and a display of disrespect towards the nation.
Amidst this backlash, reports have emerged suggesting that the makers of "Border 2" are considering replacing Dosanjh with Ammy Virk. Sources indicate that the producers felt Dosanjh's involvement might not align with the film's focus on the Indian Army. They also reportedly wished to avoid further controversy that could overshadow the film's message and promotions. It has been reported that the portions featuring Diljit Dosanjh may be re-shot with his replacement.
However, some sources suggest that no final decision has been made. Initial reports indicated that there were no immediate plans to remove Diljit Dosanjh from "Border 2." These sources claimed that a significant portion of the film's shooting, approximately 40-50%, had already been completed with Dosanjh. Making changes at such a late stage would be logistically challenging.
"Border 2" is a sequel to the 1997 film "Border," which was based on the real-life Battle of Longewala during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The original film was a major success, celebrated for its patriotic themes and emotional depth. "Border 2" aims to continue this legacy, celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. The cast includes Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty. The film is scheduled to be released on January 23, 2026.
The film body FWICE has also written to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah urging them to withdraw the permission granted for the shooting of "Border 2" at the National Defence Academy (NDA) premises in Pune.
As of today, June 27, 2025, the situation remains uncertain. While some reports suggest Ammy Virk is set to replace Diljit Dosanjh, other sources claim no final decision has been made. The makers of "Border 2" are yet to issue an official statement.