Release Date: 27 June 2025 (overseas only)
Genre: Horror-comedy (Punjabi)
Director: Amar Hundal
Producers: Diljit Dosanjh, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu
🧨 What’s the Controversy?
Indian film bodies backlash: Following the April Pahalgam terror attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded Sardaar Ji 3 be denied certification due to its inclusion of Pakistani actors—most notably Hania Aamir, along with Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela .
Calls for blacklisting: FWICE president BN Tiwari warned of banning Diljit and his producers from Indian projects if they proceeded, labeling it a matter of “national interest” .
Certification withheld: Reports suggest the CBFC may refuse certification under pressure from industry groups and government advisories .
🌍 Diljit’s Response & Film Strategy
Trailer dropped overseas: Diljit released the trailer online with a Punjabi quip and confirmed the film will not release in India due to ongoing tensions .
Bold stance: Despite silence on social media, his actions—such as geo-blocking the trailer in India—signal a defiant, creative choice over political pressure .
Crypto‐political messaging: A recent cryptic Instagram post—“Censored before release?”—hinted at resistance to creative suppression, echoing earlier censorship battles during Punjab 95 .
🔍 Public & Industry Reaction
Netizen rage: Social media has exploded with anger—hashtags calling Diljit a “traitor,” urging boycotts, and demanding his removal from future patriotic films like Border 2 .
Celebrity commentary: Musician B Praak posted oblique criticism, further fueling debate .
Outside perspectives: Amid domestic uproar, a Canadian university announced a course examining Diljit’s cultural influence, underlining his international prestige .
🎯 Strategic Implications
- Cross‑border art at a crossroads
Sardaar Ji 3 becomes a high-profile casualty in the India–Pakistan cultural freeze, testing the limits of creative exchange. - Industry unity vs. creative freedom
FWICE and government may continue to press censorship, while artists could push back through global releases and thematic boldness. - Diaspora appeal
By targeting overseas audiences, Diljit leverages his global fanbase—especially in the UK, Canada, and the US—turning controversy into international traction.