ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The highly anticipated Punjabi comedy ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, starring Indian actor Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, hits cinemas across Pakistan today, June 27, aligning with its international release date.
Nationwide Screening in Pakistan
Local cinema chains including Cinegold Plex and Cue Cinemas confirmed the release earlier this week via Instagram, accompanied by promotional posters and clips. Cinegold Plex stated: “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!” The chain, which operates in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi*, also shared a trailer featuring Aamir’s scenes prominently.
Cue Cinemas echoed the excitement, posting: “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!”
Hania Aamir further confirmed the release on her Instagram stories, sharing the film’s poster and announcing its clearance by *Pakistan’s censor board* for nationwide screening.
Controversy in India Over Cross-Border Casting
Despite the buzz in Pakistan, the film faces a potential *theatrical ban in India, sparked by Hania Aamir’s inclusion in the cast. Multiple Indian film bodies, including the **Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE)* and the *All Indian Cine Workers Association, have reportedly opposed the collaboration, calling for a **boycott of Dosanjh* and a halt to the film’s distribution in India.
The controversy follows heightened political tensions between *India and Pakistan, especially after the **April 22 Pahalgam attack*, which reignited discussions around enforcing the long-standing ban on Pakistani artists in Indian media. A similar ban was imposed post-Uri attack in 2016 and reinforced after Pulwama in 2019.
Diljit Responds to Industry Backlash
In a recent interview, *Diljit Dosanjh, who also serves as the film’s producer, clarified that *‘Sardaar Ji 3’ was filmed in *February 2025*, prior to the latest diplomatic rift. He acknowledged that the team had anticipated potential screening issues in India following recent events but has not issued further public statements regarding the boycott.
