Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s much-awaited film Sardaar Ji 3 will now release exclusively overseas on June 27, 2025, after being barred from a theatrical release in India due to heightened political and security tensions between India and Pakistan.
The film, which stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role, became a point of contention after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which strained cross-border cultural relations. As a result, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification, citing the inclusion of several Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela.
Trailer Geo-Blocked in India
On Sunday, Diljit shared the official trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 on Instagram with the caption:
“Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.”
The trailer is geo-blocked on YouTube in India, with a message stating: “The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” However, the film’s teaser and songs remain accessible to Indian audiences online. Interestingly, Hania Aamir does not appear in the teaser, though she features prominently in the full trailer.
Plot and Cast
Set in the UK, Sardaar Ji 3 is a supernatural action-comedy featuring Diljit as a quirky ghost hunter tasked with exorcising a mischievous spirit from a haunted mansion. Hania Aamir plays a fellow ghostbuster, and the story also includes Neeru Bajwa as a romantic rival, resulting in a comedic love triangle.
Hania Aamir’s Online Presence Blocked
Following Operation Sindoor, which was India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Hania Aamir’s Instagram profile was also blocked in India. The actress reportedly faced backlash for her alleged anti-India remarks on social media, adding fuel to the controversy.
No Indian Theatrical Release
Amid mounting pressure, the producers ultimately opted to skip the Indian theatrical release altogether, choosing instead to launch the film globally (excluding India) on June 27. The decision was made to avoid further controversy and comply with the advisory issued by FWICE.
In Summary
- Sardaar Ji 3 stars Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir, and Neeru Bajwa.
- Set to release globally (except India) on June 27, 2025.
- Banned in India due to inclusion of Pakistani actors amid post-Pahalgam tensions.
- Trailer geo-blocked in India; teaser and songs still viewable.
- Hania Aamir’s Instagram account is inaccessible in India.
The controversy marks yet another instance of art being impacted by geopolitics, as cultural collaborations between Indian and Pakistani artists remain under intense scrutiny.
