The makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have revealed that the film suffered a major financial setback—losing approximately 40% of its potential revenue—after it was not released in India. The decision, according to producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu, was made voluntarily following increased political tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
In an interview with an Indian TV channel, Sidhu explained that although the film was completed earlier in the year in the UK, the charged atmosphere post-attack led them to reconsider its release. “We chose not to release the movie in India so we wouldn’t upset public sentiment,” he said. “We didn’t want to provoke any more negativity or become a target for online abuse.”
Read more: Diljit Dosanjh Likely Out of ‘Border 2’ Amid Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy, Say Sources
The movie, which stars popular singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, and veteran performer Neeru Bajwa, had its international premiere on June 27. Despite being ready for Indian release, the producers refrained from promoting it domestically after facing mounting criticism on social media and disapproval from Indian entertainment bodies—especially regarding Hania Aamir’s participation. The Film Federation of Western Indian Cinema (FFWIC) had even called for a full boycott and demanded punitive action against Dosanjh.
Sidhu admitted that tensions escalated after both Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan publicly criticized India’s controversial Operation Sindoor earlier this year. “Those statements were out of line. I won’t say much more, but yes—it was disrespectful,” he said.
Comparing the outcome to his previous hit Jatt & Juliet 3, Sidhu pointed out the substantial impact of the Indian market. That film, which crossed ₹100 crore globally, earned around 40% of its revenue from India alone. Sardaar Ji 3, lacking that same access, lost out on that chunk entirely.
The Sardaar Ji franchise, known for its humorous and supernatural themes, has a strong fan base among Punjabi-speaking audiences worldwide. In this latest installment, Diljit Dosanjh returns as the eccentric ghost hunter, now tackling a paranormal mystery in the UK. Hania Aamir makes her debut in Indian Punjabi cinema through this film.
Despite being blocked in India, the film has done well in global markets such as Canada, the UK, and Australia, where the Punjabi diaspora remains strong and supportive.
Neither Dosanjh nor Hania Aamir have publicly commented on the issue. However, their co-star Neeru Bajwa made waves online after she unfollowed Hania on Instagram and deleted promotional content for the movie—actions many interpret as distancing herself from the controversy.
