ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Punjabi actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has acknowledged the enthusiastic response to Sardaar Ji 3 in Pakistan, amid mounting criticism in India over the film’s casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The movie, which bypassed Indian theatres due to political tensions, has nonetheless made a strong impact overseas.
Strong Box Office Performance in Pakistan Despite India Ban
Released internationally on June 27, Sardaar Ji 3 did not see an official release in India following the heightened tensions triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. However, the film quickly gained traction in foreign markets, especially Pakistan, where it set a new record for the highest opening day revenue for any Indian film.
Diljit reshared a video posted by Universal Cinemas—one of Pakistan’s leading cinema chains—showcasing packed auditoriums and an excited audience. The clip prominently featured Hania Aamir’s entrance scene, underscoring her significant role despite ongoing controversies.
The video caption read: “12 shows on the biggest screens in the country. Amazing response from the audience for Sardaar Ji 3. Come and watch.” Diljit’s sharing of this footage via Instagram Stories is seen as a quiet yet firm response to calls for his exclusion from Bollywood projects.
Global Earnings Cross Rs11 Crore in 48 Hours
According to official figures, the film earned Rs4.32 crore on its opening day and Rs6.71 crore on the second day, reaching a total of Rs11.03 crore worldwide within two days. Pakistan emerged as the film’s top market, recording Rs4.5 crore on day one, surpassing previous Indian box office records in the country, including Salman Khan’s Sultan (2016).
Political Backlash and Industry Pressure Mount
The film has sparked controversy since its trailer release, which revealed Hania Aamir’s lead role. Several Indian film bodies condemned the casting amid strained India-Pakistan relations. The Film Federation of Western Indian Cinema (FFWIC) called for a boycott, and industry figures have urged producers of other films to remove Diljit Dosanjh from their projects.
Notably, director Imtiaz Ali defended Diljit, describing him as “a patriot” and commending his professionalism.
In a BBC Asian Network interview, Diljit clarified that the film was shot before recent conflicts, stating, “The situation was normal at the time. The producers had invested heavily, and I supported their decision to release the film abroad.”
Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu confirmed the film’s production took place in the UK in February, when diplomatic relations were stable. He added, “Given the current situation, I would avoid casting Pakistani artists in future projects.”
