The much-awaited Punjabi comedy Sardaar Ji 3, starring Indian singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, is set to premiere in Pakistani cinemas on June 27 — the same day as its international release.
Despite excitement in Pakistan, the film is caught in controversy across the border. Due to Hania Aamir’s inclusion in the cast, Sardaar Ji 3 is facing a possible ban in Indian cinemas. The casting choice has sparked criticism from several Indian film bodies, who are calling for a boycott.
Read more: Mehwish, Feroze & Others Cheer Hania’s Film Debut, Applaud Diljit’s Bold Stand
Meanwhile, the film’s release has been officially confirmed in Pakistan. Cinegold Plex, which operates cinemas in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, announced the premiere on Instagram. “The wait is over… Sardar Ji is back!” the post read. “Sardaar Ji 3 hits the big screen on June 27 with double the comedy, drama, and desi madness!” The chain also unveiled a poster highlighting Hania and shared a trailer reel featuring her scenes.
Movie fans were quick to respond online. “Is it releasing in Pakistan too??” asked one user on Instagram, while another replied, “Yes.” Discussions also erupted on X (formerly Twitter), with one user stating: “Hania Amir and Diljit’s next movie Sardaar Ji 3 is releasing in Pakistan. No one criticise. Move forward (sic).”
Cue Cinemas, a Lahore-based cinema chain, echoed the announcement with their own social media post: “Get ready for the laughter riot! Sardaar Ji 3 is now playing at Cue Cinemas — don’t miss out! 🎟️ Book your seats now and join the madness!” They also shared one of the film’s songs, Sohni Lagdi, on Instagram to build up excitement.
Hania Aamir herself promoted the release, posting a film poster on Instagram and revealing that the movie has received full clearance from Pakistan’s censor board for nationwide screening.
However, the same cannot be said for India. The film has been met with backlash from several Indian film industry associations, including the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association, both of which condemned the casting of a Pakistani actress and called for a ban on Diljit.
The controversy follows the April 22 Pahalgam attack and revives long-standing tensions around Pakistani artists working in Indian productions — an issue that intensified after the 2016 Uri attack and again after Pulwama in 2019.
In a recent interview, Diljit Dosanjh clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was completed back in February — before the recent escalation in tensions. He acknowledged the possibility of a ban in India and confirmed that the team was prepared for it.
Dosanjh, who also produced the film, has not issued further comments in response to the boycott calls.
