Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir have shot a new installment in the “Sardaar Ji” horror-comedy franchise, but “Sardaar Ji 3” will bypass cinemas in India and debut exclusively overseas on June 27, 2025
Why the India Freeze?
- Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India launched Operation Sindoor in early May — a military response targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. In its wake, several Indian film and trade bodies, including the FWICE, reinforced bans on Pakistani talents
- The FWICE even formally petitioned India’s CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) to withhold clearance for “Sardaar Ji 3” due to the involvement of multiple Pakistani actors — including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela
- Facing mounting industry and public pressure, the filmmakers elected to skip the India release and proceed directly with the international rollout
What’s Inside the Film?
- A horror-comedy wrapped in spectral satire: Diljit plays a ghostbuster summoned to a haunted mansion in the UK, joined by Hania Aamir’s character — another paranormal investigator. Neeru Bajwa adds humor and romance into the mix
- Fans had glimpsed Hania on set via behind-the-scenes stills, dispelling rumors of her role being dropped
Social Media Fallout
- The trailer—shared by Diljit on Instagram with the caption “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only / FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN”—was immediately geo-blocked in India, further fuelling the controversy
- Reactions were sharply divided: while some praised Diljit’s bold move, many expressed outrage on X/Twitter and Reddit, accusing him of being insensitive amid current India–Pakistan tensions. Comments ranged from calling him “shameless” to demanding a boycott
Final Thoughts
“Sardaar Ji 3” is now a cross-border flashpoint, as creative expression confronts real-world geopolitics. With hopes high for a globally entertaining ghost-hunting romp, the film’s India absence underscores how cultural and political dynamics often collide.
“Sardaar Ji 3” Skips Indian Release: A Cross-Border Film Caught in Political Firestorm
The much-anticipated Punjabi film “Sardaar Ji 3”, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, and Pakistani sensation Hania Aamir, has become a cultural casualty in the aftermath of rising India-Pakistan tensions. Originally expected to hit Indian theatres, the film will now release overseas only on June 27, 2025.
🛑 Why Is “Sardaar Ji 3” Banned in India?
The decision comes on the heels of heightened diplomatic strain following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 Indian soldiers. India launched Operation Sindoor, a strong military offensive into Pakistani territory to dismantle terror networks. This sparked a wave of anti-Pakistan sentiment across India’s cultural sectors.
Soon after, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and other influential trade bodies took a firm stance against Pakistani artists, urging the CBFC to deny certification to “Sardaar Ji 3” over its cast featuring multiple Pakistani actors.
👥 The Star Cast Under Fire
- Diljit Dosanjh – Beloved across India for his charm and singing, but now facing heat for working alongside Pakistani actors amid tensions.
- Hania Aamir – Known for her massive following in both Pakistan and India. Her involvement is the lightning rod for the controversy.
- Neeru Bajwa – Veteran Punjabi actress and Diljit’s longtime co-star, adds her star power to the mix.
- Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, Saleem Albela – Pakistani comedians who added depth and humor to the project, but have now been labeled “unwelcome” in Indian screens.
🎞️ The Film’s Plot — Ghosts, Gags, and Global Trouble
In “Sardaar Ji 3,” Diljit returns as the quirky ghost-hunter who’s now invited to investigate a haunted mansion in the UK. Hania plays a mysterious paranormal expert with secrets of her own, while Neeru Bajwa adds the romantic chaos.
The film blends horror, comedy, and cross-cultural chemistry, with ghost-busting shenanigans packed into a lavish British estate setting.
📵 Trailer Blocked, Fans Furious
The film’s trailer, launched on social media by Diljit with the quirky caption:
“Sardaar Ji 3 – Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only – FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN”
…was immediately geo-restricted in India. This decision was met with a storm of online backlash:
- Some netizens hailed it as a bold move for art over politics.
- Others slammed Diljit as “tone-deaf”, accusing him of undermining national sentiment.
- Hashtags like #BoycottDiljit and #BanPakArtists began trending on X (formerly Twitter).
🎙️ Industry Reacts: Divided Voices
Many voices in Bollywood and Punjabi cinema remain divided on the issue:
🎤 “Art should be above politics, but timing is everything. Collaborating amid such tensions feels like provocation.” — Anonymous Bollywood producer
🎤 “Pakistani artists shouldn’t suffer for their country’s politics. Hania is just doing her job, like any other actor.” — Indie filmmaker, Mumbai
Meanwhile, Pakistani media hailed the film as an example of “creative unity defying political borders.”
💔 Emotional Toll on the Film Team
According to close sources, the team behind “Sardaar Ji 3” is heartbroken over the India release cancellation. The franchise has a massive fan base in Punjab, and missing out on that connection is both a creative and financial blow.
Despite this, the team has no plans to recut the film or digitally remove Pakistani actors—choosing integrity over appeasement.
🌍 Where Will It Release Now?
“Sardaar Ji 3” will now be released internationally in countries like:
- Canada
- UK
- USA
- Australia
- UAE
- Germany
Advance bookings have already opened in Toronto and London, with massive demand from the Punjabi diaspora.
📣 What’s Next for Diljit & Hania?
- Diljit Dosanjh continues his global musical tour, and remains mum on the controversy.
- Hania Aamir, who gained millions of Indian fans through Instagram reels and OTT, posted a cryptic story saying: “Silence speaks louder when truth becomes inconvenient.”
🇮🇳 Final Verdict: Politics vs. Pop Culture
The ban of “Sardaar Ji 3” in India is not just about one film. It symbolizes the larger struggle between art and nationalism, where cinema becomes both a casualty and a catalyst.
While the world will watch Sardaar Ji’s latest ghost-hunting adventure, Indian fans will have to settle for YouTube clips, memes, and maybe—eventually—a leaked OTT drop.
🔚 In Short:
- 🎬 “Sardaar Ji 3” won’t release in India.
- 📅 Overseas release date: June 27, 2025
- 🔥 India ban due to: Pakistani actors amid post-Pahalgam tensions
- 🗣️ Industry reaction: Divided between nationalism and artistic freedom
- 🧳 Global Punjabi fans: Ready to show up in theatres abroad