Diljit Hania starrer ’Sardaar Ji 3’ released in Pakistan

Punjabi comedy film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, is scheduled to premiere in Pakistani cinemas on its international release date, June 27.

However, the film is facing a potential theatrical ban in India due to controversy over its cross-border casting of actress Hania Aamir. 

Local cinema chain Cinegold Plex confirmed the release on Friday on Instagram, posting: “The wait is over... Sardar Ji is back! Sardar Ji 3 hits the big screen on June 27 with double the comedy, drama, and desi madness! Ready for a full on Punjabi entertainer? Catch it first at Cinegold Plex. Book your tickets now!” 

The cinema chain also shared a poster featuring Hania Aamir prominently and uploaded a trailer reel showcasing her scenes from the film across its social media platforms. Cinegold Plex operates cinemas in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. 

The announcement sparked surprise among moviegoers online, with one user commenting on Instagram, “Is it releasing in Pakistan too??” — to which another fan replied, “Yes.” Conversations around the film also surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), with one user defending the film’s release: “Hania Amir and Diljit next movie Sardar ji 3 is releasing in Pakistan, no one criticse. Move forward (sic)”

Similarly, Lahore-based cinema chain, Cue Cinemas, also shared the announcement of the film's release on their official Instagam account. "Get ready for the laughter riot! Sardaar Ji 3 is now playing at Cue Cinemas — don’t miss out!

Book your seats now and join the madness!" the post read, along with a poster of the film with the lead actor, Diljit, prominently featured. 

A couple of days ago, the cinema chain had shared a reel of one of the songs of the film. They captioned it: "The brand new track “Sohni Lagdi” from Sardaar Ji 3 is out now!  Feel the vibe while you wait — the movie is coming soon to cinemas!"

Hania also took to her Instagram account to share a poster revealing that the Indian film she stars in is set to release across Pakistan tomorrow. The movie has been cleared for nationwide screening by the country’s censor board.

Despite being a highly anticipated Punjabi entertainer, Sardaar Ji 3 is unlikely to screen in Indian cinemas due to the backlash Diljit Dosanjh has received for casting Hania Aamir. Film industry bodies in India, including the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association, have reportedly imposed a ban on Dosanjh and condemned the collaboration.

The controversy comes in the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. While a ban on Pakistani artists working in India has existed since the 2016 Uri attack, calls for stricter enforcement have intensified post-Pulwama in 2019 and now again after Pahalgam.

In a recent interview, Diljit Dosanjh clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was filmed in February before the latest deterioration in bilateral ties. He acknowledged that the filmmakers had anticipated the movie would not be cleared for Indian release following the Pahalgam attack.

Dosanjh, who also serves as the producer of the film, has not responded further to the boycott calls.