Diljit Dosanjh’s film ‘Sardar Ji 3’ was not released in India. The main reason for this is the presence of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the film and the tense situation in Indo-Pakistani relations, especially after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in 2025 (which killed 26 people).
Due to the ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry, the producers decided to release the film only in foreign cinemas, including in Pakistan.
This decision caused resentment among some fans and the film industry in India, who termed it “shameful” and “insensitive”. Diljit said in an interview that the film was shot before the current tensions, and the decision not to release in India was taken out of respect for public sentiments.
The film released abroad, especially in Pakistan, on 27 June 2025.
Diljit Dosanjh had said in an interview about the non-release of ‘Sardar Ji 3’ in India:
“The shooting of the film was completed before the contemporary events (Pahalgam terror attack of 2025). We have decided, respecting the public sentiments of India, that the film will not be released in India.
Our intention was not to hurt anyone’s sentiments, and we want our art to be viewed in a positive way.” He also added that the film’s team planned the release keeping in mind the foreign audience, especially the Pakistani audience, as the film’s story and cast selection were done before the current political climate.
There were various reactions to the non-release of ‘Sardar Ji 3’ in India:
Fan outrage: Indian fans, especially Diljit Dosanjh’s Punjabi fans, expressed their disappointment on social media.
Some wrote that “Diljit has ignored the Indian audience and preferred Pakistan,” while others termed it a “commercial decision.”
Film industry reactions: Some film analysts and industry insiders called the decision “insensitive,” especially in the context of the 2025 Pahalgam attack.
A leading film critic wrote on Social Media, “This decision will be remembered as a dark chapter in the history of Indian cinema.” Political reactions: Some political groups linked the issue to Indo-Pak relations.
A local politician said, “Indian artists should respect the sentiments of their country.” However, some liberal voices supported Diljit’s decision, calling it an issue of “artistic freedom”.
Pakistani audience enthusiasm: In Pakistan, the film received a positive response. Pakistani users on Social Media praised the pairing of Haniya Aamir and Diljit, and called the film a “beautiful display of Punjabi culture”.
Media coverage: The Indian media portrayed the issue as a controversy, while international media saw it as a reflection of political tensions. Some web sources suggested that the makers saw potential for higher grosses in foreign markets, especially Pakistan and Canada.