‘Sardaar Ji 3’
KARACHI: In a major win for Punjabi cinema on the global stage, Sardaar Ji 3 — the latest installment in Diljit Dosanjh’s hit horror-comedy franchise — has stormed the international box office, raking in approximately USD 5 million within just 10 days of its release. Remarkably, this feat has been accomplished without the film being screened in Indian cinemas.
The film, which co-stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and Canadian-Punjabi star Neeru Bajwa, premiered worldwide on June 27. Its absence from Indian screens did not stop it from setting a new benchmark in Punjabi-language cinema.
Strong performances were reported across key international markets, including North America, the United Kingdom, the Gulf states, and Pakistan — where many screenings were reportedly sold out. Despite cinema closures during Muharram in Pakistan, which prevented weekend box office tallies from being officially recorded, the film’s reception was overwhelmingly positive.
According to Hindustan Times, Sardaar Ji 3 posted the third-highest global opening ever for a Punjabi-language film, trailing only behind Jatt & Juliet 3. With continued momentum, industry watchers predict the film could become the highest-grossing Punjabi film in overseas markets.
The film’s exclusion from Indian cinemas stemmed from rising political tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. Amid a flurry of backlash, Indian film regulatory bodies reportedly urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to delay or withhold approval.
The film’s trailer was also geo-blocked in India. Prominent industry associations such as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) condemned Diljit’s collaboration with a Pakistani artist, accusing him of “working with a terrorist” — a veiled reference to Hania’s role.
Following the controversy, rumors swirled that Diljit Dosanjh had been dropped from major upcoming Bollywood projects, including Border 2. However, the star swiftly dispelled these claims by posting a behind-the-scenes video from the set of No Entry 2, where he was seen alongside actors Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Mona Singh, laughing and interacting casually.
Speaking to BBC Asian Network’s Haroon Rashid, Diljit addressed the controversy surrounding Hania’s casting. “When this film was being made, the [political] situation was fine,” he explained. “Blocking the international release was a financial risk. The producers already lost a lot of money by not releasing in India.” Despite the setback, he voiced his unwavering support for the production team, adding, “The situation is out of our hands, and they have my full support.”
When asked about his on-screen chemistry with Hania Aamir, Diljit was candid and kind. “My experience with Hania was very good,” he said. “She was professional during the shoot. We didn’t have that much time together, though.”
Interestingly, co-star Neeru Bajwa, who is widely known for her role in Jatt & Juliet, appeared to distance herself from the controversy. She unfollowed Hania on Instagram and removed promotional posts related to Sardaar Ji 3 from her account, signaling her discomfort amid the backlash.
In contrast, Pakistani celebrities came out in strong support of Hania and the Indo-Pak collaboration. Stars such as Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas, Anoushey Ashraf, and Aiman Khan used their platforms to applaud Hania’s performance and promote artistic unity across borders.
Despite the hurdles, Sardaar Ji 3 has proven to be a commercial success and a cultural conversation starter, highlighting the global potential of Punjabi cinema and the challenges of cross-border collaboration in a politically charged environment.
