Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming comedy-horror film Sardaar Ji 3 will skip a theatrical release in India amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The film, which stars popular Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role, is now set for an exclusive international release on June 27.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which took place in April 2025, resulted in the tragic loss of several Indian security personnel and civilians, sharply escalating diplomatic strains between the two nations. The incident has reignited calls within India’s entertainment industry to bar Pakistani artists from domestic projects, contributing directly to the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3.
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Dosanjh confirmed the film’s restricted release via Instagram on Sunday, sharing the official trailer and writing: “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.” On YouTube, the trailer has been geo-blocked for Indian viewers, displaying the notice: “The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” However, promotional content such as teasers and songs remain accessible to Indian audiences.
Hania Aamir, absent from the film’s teaser, features prominently in the official trailer as a ghost hunter working alongside Dosanjh. The story follows their eerie mission to cleanse a haunted mansion in the UK, while a romantic subplot unfolds, with both Aamir and Neeru Bajwa vying for Dosanjh’s character’s affections.
The decision to restrict the film’s release in India comes in response to backlash from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which formally urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film. The objection cites the involvement of multiple Pakistani artists, including Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, alongside Aamir.
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The controversy deepened when reports emerged that Hania Aamir’s Instagram account was blocked in India amid allegations of anti-India remarks following the Indian military’s ‘Operation Sindoor’—a retaliatory strike linked to the Pahalgam attack.
In light of the heightened geopolitical sensitivities and industry objections, the film’s producers have opted against an Indian release entirely. Sardaar Ji 3 will now premiere internationally on June 27 but will remain unavailable to audiences in India.
Here’s how social media users reacted:
Diljit Dosanjh is the true icon of our times. Unlike the rest of Bollywood, he didn’t bow down and is still going to release his movie with Hania Amir.#SardaarJi3
— Saadia Ahmed (@khwamkhwah) June 23, 2025
It is well-known that the Diljit & Hania Amir’s movie was shot before the Pahalgam attack and OP Sindoor. Even for overseas, it was not the appropriate time to release the trailer. Unnecessarily inviting hate & abuses. pic.twitter.com/1ZUPjsvKZG
— Jahazi (@Oye_Jahazi) June 23, 2025
We got Hania Amir & Diljit Dosanjh together before Gta 6 😭 pic.twitter.com/zAxYjBRpRM
— AHTISHAM (@Whyshami_) June 23, 2025
So Sardarji 3 is set to release worldwide, including Pak ,but not in Ind? I wish they’d postpone the release a little. Given the current situation and public sentiment, it just doesn’t feel like the right time. #DiljitDosanjh #HaniaAmir pic.twitter.com/jbv7a7koVZ
— ☾ (@atia_anishah) June 23, 2025
The Punjabi in me is doing happy dance , Hania look so pretty and the flow of dialogue is good I m not sure if it’s dubbed or not but she is nailing it #HaniaAmir https://t.co/QUa8qeT4of
— Kaali janer (@zaraeena) June 22, 2025
why yall hating hania amir’s punjabi, its not bad, stop hating literally everything, tum logon ko apny mulk ko kisi field mein support krna bhi ata hai yaa bss criticize krna e ata hai
— 🥝 High on lassi 🥝 (@Hanhanwomen) June 22, 2025