Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3 Gets Pakistan Release; Indian Fans Outraged: 'This Is Shameful'

News18

5 hours ago

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The decision to release the movie, co-starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, in Pakistan has sparked massive outrage online, with Diljit's Indian fans calling the move 'shameful'.
In a move that has left fans across India shocked and disappointed, Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3 is set to release in Pakistan on June 27, despite ongoing tensions between the two nations. The decision to release the movie, co-starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, in Pakistan has sparked massive outrage online, with Diljit's Indian fans calling the move 'shameful" and 'disrespectful," especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, where 26 innocent civilians were killed.
Screenshots of theatre listings from Pakistani cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Sialkot have now gone viral on social media, confirming that Sardaar Ji 3 will have a full-fledged theatrical run across the border.
The controversy has prompted not just from the film's release but also from the casting of Hania Aamir at a time when Indian film bodies have taken a hard stance against working with Pakistani artists. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which has historically protested such collaborations, reiterated its demand for a ban on Pakistani talent after the recent terror attack.
The film's trailer is also not accessible in India. Users attempting to watch it on YouTube are met with the message: 'This video is not available in your country."
Despite the uproar, the producers released a statement claiming that the film had been shot 'well before the prevailing situation," and that Hania was cast before the Pahalgam tragedy. 'We had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune," the statement read, describing the decision as one made out of 'solidarity" with the country.
But fans aren't buying it.
Diljit, who commands a massive fan base in India and overseas, is being called out for continuing to promote the film while remaining silent on the backlash. Instagram comment sections on his recent posts are flooded with disappointment. 'Shame on you, Diljit," wrote one user. 'Boycott Sardaar Ji 3," said another. A third added, 'Country first. You lost a fan today."
This has opened a fresh debate about celebrity accountability in times of national distress. Actor Suniel Shetty recently took a strong stance supporting the ban on Pakistani artists, saying, 'Art and cricket can't happen with people who kill our innocents." Similarly, actor Harshvardhan Rane decided to exit the upcoming Sanam Teri Kasam 2 over the possible inclusion of Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane. The producers eventually confirmed her removal from the cast, bowing to the growing public sentiment.
In stark contrast, Diljit's continued association with Sardaar Ji 3 and his support for its overseas release even in Pakistan has upset many. What's added more fuel to the fire is that the film doesn't just feature Hania Aamir but several other Pakistani actors, including Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, are also part of the ensemble.
Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 is a horror-comedy that revolves around ghost hunters (played by Diljit and Hania) tackling supernatural events in a haunted UK mansion. Neeru Bajwa also stars in a pivotal role.
In his first comment on the issue, Diljit told BBC Asian Network, 'Jab yeh film bani thi, tab sab theek tha… Producers ka paisa laga hua hai… Film bann chuki thi before tensions started." He added that he supports the producers' decision to release it overseas, acknowledging the financial risks they face.
FWICE has now urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny a release certificate to Sardaar Ji 3, claiming that the film goes 'against national interest." While the film may be finding screens in foreign markets, its rejection in its home country by both institutions and fans sends a loud and clear message.
The incident has raised some urgent questions – Can art really remain apolitical in the face of terrorism? Should filmmakers and stars be more conscious of the broader national implications of their decisions?
It remains to be seen whether Diljit will break his silence and confront the backlash head-on or if the controversy will continue to snowball.
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