Sardaar Ji 3 Trailer Sparks Buzz as Diljit Dosanjh Shares Screen with Pakistani Stars Ahead of India Release

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is under fire for casting Pakistani star Hania Aamir in his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3. Amid the criticism, the horror-comedy will now forgo a theatrical release in India and premiere overseas on June 27.

The decision comes in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and the Indian military’s Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 7 as retaliation against terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Trailer Release and Online Reactions

Diljit shared the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 on Instagram, captioning it, “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.”

His team also promoted “Sohni Lagdi,” a song from the movie featuring Hania Aamir and Diljit, which released shortly after the trailer drop.

However, the trailer is not viewable on YouTube in India. Users attempting to access it are met with the message: “The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” The geo-blocking has further fueled debate over the film’s cast and its release strategy.

Hania Aamir’s Role and Audience Reactions

Hania Aamir stars as a ghost hunter opposite Diljit Dosanjh, with the story revolving around exorcising a spirit from a mansion in the UK.

The film promises a blend of comedy, romance, and supernatural elements, with Neeru Bajwa also playing a prominent role.

Fans expressed excitement online, with one user commenting, “I will watch the film only for Hania,” while others questioned why the film isn’t releasing in India.

Despite the positive reactions from some fans, others have criticized the casting of a Pakistani actor during heightened political tensions, accusing Diljit of hypocrisy. The hashtag #BoycottSardaarJi3 trended on social media following the trailer’s release.

Controversy Intensifies Amid Political Backdrop

The decision to exclude an Indian release aligns with increased scrutiny of cross-border collaborations.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold certification for Sardaar Ji 3 due to the presence of Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela.

The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, followed by retaliatory strikes, have reignited calls to ban Pakistani artists from Indian projects.

Hania Aamir’s Instagram account, along with those of other Pakistani celebrities like Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar, was blocked in India after the April attack.

Hania also faced backlash for alleged anti-India remarks following Operation Sindoor, deepening the controversy surrounding her inclusion in the film.

Diljit’s Cryptic Response and Previous Censorship Troubles

Adding to the conversation, Diljit posted a cryptic Instagram Story reading, “Censored before release?”

The post is believed to reference his earlier film Punjab 95, which has also faced hurdles. The biopic on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra was denied release after the Censor Board proposed 120 cuts.

Paramjit Kaur Khalra, the widow of the activist, opposed the cuts, asserting that the film was made with family consent and should be released unaltered.

Originally slated for release on February 7, Punjab 95 was postponed with the producers citing “circumstances beyond our control.”

Diljit’s Career and Sardaar Ji Franchise Legacy

Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa are known for their successful pairings in Punjabi hits like Jatt & Juliet, Jatt & Juliet 2, Shadaa, and the original Sardaar Ji films.

Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 also features actors such as Gulshan Grover, Manav Vij, Monica Sharma, and Saleem Albela.

The horror-comedy was initially promoted as a romantic and supernatural entertainer, with behind-the-scenes photos shared by Diljit on social media.

However, the inclusion of Pakistani actors and political climate surrounding Indo-Pak relations have overshadowed the film’s creative narrative.

Overseas Release Only

Due to the mounting controversy and pressure from film bodies, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have confirmed that the film will not be released in Indian cinemas. It will have its global premiere exclusively overseas on June 27, 2025.

As the release date approaches, the debate continues online, reflecting the sensitive intersection of cinema, politics, and cross-border relations.