A Cinematic Storm: ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Defies Odds with Global Box Office Triumph
In an extraordinary turn of events, Diljit Dosanjh’s latest cinematic venture, the Punjabi horror-comedy ‘Sardaar Ji 3,’ is not merely succeeding; it’s shattering box office records while navigating a maelstrom of controversy. Against the backdrop of an industry ban and geopolitical tensions, this film has emerged as a beacon of global appeal, captivating audiences far beyond its intended home market and inching closer to the coveted Rs 20 crore mark.
The Unseen Battle: Why ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Faced India’s Ban
The journey of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ has been anything but smooth. Its path to Indian theaters was abruptly halted by a contentious decision from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). This ban, a direct consequence of the film featuring Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, stems from a directive against artistes from across the border, following the tragic Pahalgam attack. Despite this significant hurdle, which effectively cut off its domestic revenue stream, the film’s international performance has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Record-Breaking Overseas Performance: A Global Phenomenon
The numbers speak volumes about the film’s unexpected triumph. In a mere three days, ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ has amassed a staggering Rs 18.1 crore worldwide. Its opening day, Friday, June 27, saw a robust overseas collection of Rs 4.32 crore, which soared to an impressive Rs 6.71 crore on Saturday. By Sunday, the global gross reached a remarkable Rs 7.07 crore, culminating in an awe-inspiring total. This trajectory suggests the film is well on its way to surpassing the collections of its successful predecessors in the ‘Sardaar Ji’ franchise, despite the profound impact of its non-release in India.
Pakistan’s Pivotal Role: An Unprecedented Opening
A key factor in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’s’ colossal success has been its unprecedented reception in Pakistan. The film secured the biggest opening for an Indian movie in the country, pulling in Rs 3.5 crore (PKR) on its debut day. This monumental achievement surpasses the previous record held by director Ali Abbas Zafar’s 2016 blockbuster, ‘Sultan,’ starring Bollywood heavyweights Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Randeep Hooda, which had opened with Rs 3.4 crore (PKR). The overwhelming embrace from Pakistani audiences underscores a unique cross-border appeal, highlighting cinema’s power to transcend political divides.
Legendary Support: Naseeruddin Shah Stands with Diljit Dosanjh
Even as the controversy continues to simmer, influential voices have risen in support of Diljit Dosanjh. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah recently publicly defended the singer-turned-actor, emphasizing that Diljit was not responsible for the casting decisions. In a now-deleted social media post, Shah reportedly stated his firm solidarity with Diljit, suggesting that certain political elements (“Jumla Party”) were eager to undermine him. This endorsement from a respected figure like Shah adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the film, turning it into a debate about artistic freedom and accountability.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Candid Explanation: The Truth Behind the Film’s Release
Addressing the storm head-on, Diljit Dosanjh shared his perspective in a candid interview with BBC Asian Network. He clarified that ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ was filmed in February, well before the tragic Pahalgam attack and the subsequent ban on Pakistani artistes. He acknowledged the grim reality that the film’s producers would incur significant losses by forfeiting the entire Indian market. However, he reaffirmed his unwavering support for their decision to release the movie overseas, recognizing their substantial investment. Dosanjh’s honest revelation paints a picture of a challenging situation where the creative team had to navigate unforeseen circumstances, emphasizing the inherent risks and loyalties within the film industry.
