A Cinematic Saga: Sardaar Ji 3’s Unprecedented Journey
Diljit Dosanjh’s latest cinematic offering, “Sardaar Ji 3,” has embarked on a truly remarkable and, at times, turbulent journey. While the film finds itself notably absent from Indian cinemas due to a contentious casting decision, it has unexpectedly ignited a sensation across borders, particularly in Pakistan, where it is breaking box office records and capturing the hearts of audiences.
The Controversial Casting Choice and India’s Stance
The genesis of “Sardaar Ji 3″‘s predicament in India stems from its casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir alongside Diljit Dosanjh. This artistic decision unfortunately collided with heightened geopolitical sensitivities following events like the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, leading to a significant public backlash. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) even went as far as to formally urge the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to prevent the film’s theatrical release in India.
Ultimately, facing immense pressure and ongoing controversy, the producers of “Sardaar Ji 3” made the difficult strategic choice to forgo its release within India. This decision, though challenging, paved the way for an international-only debut.
Pakistan’s Overwhelming Embrace: A Cross-Border Phenomenon
Despite its Indian ban, “Sardaar Ji 3” premiered globally on June 27, 2025, and the response from overseas markets has been nothing short of extraordinary. Nowhere is this more evident than in Pakistan, where the horror-comedy has been met with an electrifying reception, selling out shows consistently.
Visuals shared by prominent Pakistani theatre chains, such as Cinegold Plex, depicted packed auditoriums brimming with enthusiastic cinephiles. Diljit Dosanjh himself reposted clips from Universal Cinemas in Lahore and Multan, showcasing the roaring crowds and their palpable excitement, confirming the film’s overwhelming success in the region. Fans have poured out their affection online, with one reviewer exclaiming, “Loved every bit of it, you and Hania together omg, I have laughed loved and smiled longer after ages watching a movie, this is what we need.”
Shattering Box Office Records Globally
The financial success of “Sardaar Ji 3” has been as dramatic as its journey. According to reports from Box Office India, the film quickly amassed an impressive global collection of Rs 11.03 crore within just its first two days. Its opening day saw robust earnings of Rs 4.32 crore, which then surged significantly to Rs 6.71 crore on the second day, highlighting strong word-of-mouth and audience demand.
This stellar performance has etched “Sardaar Ji 3” into the history books, particularly in Pakistan, where it now proudly holds the title for the highest-ever opening for an Indian film, remarkably surpassing the previous record set by the Bollywood blockbuster “Sultan.” On a broader global scale, it ranks as the third-best opening day for a Punjabi film, trailing only “Jatt & Juliet 3” and “Carry On Jatta.”
Diljit Dosanjh’s Perspective: Navigating the Unforeseen
Addressing the intricate situation in an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit Dosanjh offered his thoughtful insights into the film’s trajectory. He explained that the project commenced during a period of normalcy, stating, “When this film was made, everything was fine. We shot it in February and things were okay back then.”
However, subsequent geopolitical developments proved to be “beyond our control.” Dosanjh reiterated his full support for the producers’ difficult decision to release the film exclusively overseas, acknowledging the substantial financial investment at stake and the unforeseen circumstances that altered the release landscape. He empathized with the producers who faced the significant prospect of a massive financial loss by foregoing an entire territory like India, underscoring his solidarity with their strategic pivot.
