Punjabi comedy film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, is all set to hit cinemas across Pakistan on June 27, coinciding with its international release date. However, the film is facing an unofficial ban in India due to ongoing tensions between the two countries and opposition from Indian film bodies over Hania Aamir’s casting.
Read More: India Blocks Imran Khan and Shehbaz Sharif’s YouTube Channels
Prominent cinema chains in Pakistan, including Cinegold Plex and Cue Cinemas, have confirmed the film’s release and launched promotions featuring both lead actors. “The wait is over… Sardar Ji is back! Double the comedy, drama, and desi madness!” Cinegold posted on Instagram, also highlighting Hania Aamir’s role with posters and trailer reels.
Meanwhile, Hania Aamir herself took to Instagram to share a poster of the film, announcing the release across Pakistani cinemas. According to sources, Pakistan’s Central Board of Film Censors has cleared the movie for nationwide screening.
Despite the film’s success in Pakistani marketing circuits, Sardaar Ji 3 is unlikely to be released in India, where the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have opposed the cross-border collaboration. These groups have called for a boycott of Diljit Dosanjh and condemned his decision to cast a Pakistani actress amidst heightened bilateral tensions.
Read More: Hania Aamir Confirmed in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Trailer with Diljit Dosanjh Despite India Ban
Calls for stricter enforcement of the existing ban on Pakistani artists — first introduced after the 2016 Uri attack and reinforced post-Pulwama 2019 — have resurfaced following the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
In a recent interview, Dosanjh clarified that the film was shot in February, well before the latest deterioration in India-Pakistan relations. He acknowledged that the filmmakers had anticipated a potential ban in India due to the escalating geopolitical situation.
Despite the backlash, Dosanjh has not withdrawn the film and has remained silent on recent boycott calls.
