THE CLIFF NEWS

The controversy over Pakistani actress Hania Amir’s casting in Sardaar Ji 3 has spiraled into a political and cultural storm, with actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh facing backlash and even calls for the revocation of his Indian citizenship. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come out in support of the popular Punjabi artist, hailing him as a “national asset” and “global ambassador of Indian culture.” BJP Defends Diljit Taking to X (formerly Twitter), BJP national spokesperson R P Singh defended Dosanjh, calling the criticism “unfair” and “shockingly disproportionate.” He noted that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanding Diljit’s citizenship be revoked was extreme and unwarranted. “Attacking his patriotism is simply irrational,” Singh said, emphasizing that the film had been shot before the Pahalgam terror attack. He argued that public dissent, if any, should come in the form of a boycott or protest, not by questioning the artist’s nationality or allegiance. Singh also highlighted the double standards, pointing out how India-Pakistan cricket matches and TV shows with Pakistani guests are allowed without similar outrage. He appealed to FWICE to “reconsider its stance” and cautioned against the “weaponisation of patriotism”, warning that it weakens India’s moral high ground. FWICE Demands Action On the other hand, FWICE has taken a hardline position. Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit criticized Dosanjh for not condemning Hania Amir’s alleged anti-India remarks and accused the film’s team of being “careless about the country’s emotions.” He added: “Have they forgotten Uri, Pulwama, or the Mumbai terror attack? How can Indian filmmakers so easily work with Pakistani artists after everything?” FWICE has formally written to the Government of India, demanding action against the film and its makers for casting a Pakistani national. Diljit Responds Diljit Dosanjh, for his part, clarified that casting decisions were not under his control and reiterated that the film was made before recent events. Despite the backlash, Sardaar Ji 3 released overseas on June 27, 2025, but will not be released in India in light of the controversy. With public opinion divided and political leaders weighing in, the Sardaar Ji 3 row has sparked a broader debate on art, nationalism, and cross-border collaboration in Indian cinema.

Following the resounding success of Panchayat Season 4, acclaimed director Deepak Kumar Mishra is already working on his next big project—Vvan, a collaboration between Balaji Motion Pictures (a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd) and The Viral Fever (TVF). Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, Vvan has already generated massive anticipation and is shaping up to be a landmark cinematic event. A New Era for TVF Best known for cult web series like Pitchers, Aspirants, and Panchayat, TVF now ventures into theatrical filmmaking for the first time. Partnering with Balaji Telefilms, one of the country’s most influential production houses, the collaboration promises to marry TVF’s signature grounded storytelling with Balaji’s cinematic flair. Behind the Scenes Momentum With the first shooting schedule wrapped up in June and the second planned for August, Vvan is moving full speed ahead. Director Mishra, known for his deft handling of slice-of-life narratives, is expected to bring a fresh visual and emotional tone to this ambitious project. What Sets Vvan Apart A Cinematic Moment in the Making More than just another film, Vvan is being positioned as a cultural milestone—a project that brings together new-age digital storytelling and mainstream cinematic vision. With the pedigree of Balaji and the creative pulse of TVF, the film is expected to challenge genre norms and speak directly to a generation that craves meaningful yet entertaining cinema. As production ramps up and buzz continues to build, Vvan is undoubtedly one of the most awaited releases on the horizon. It promises not only to entertain but to expand the boundaries of what Indian cinema can be.