Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 Releases Overseas After India Ban Over Hania Aamir, Sets Social Media Abuzz Globally

Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s superhit comedy sequel Sardaar Ji 3 has hit international markets today, slated across Canada, the UK, Australia, Pakistan, the US and UAE, despite being withheld from Indian cinemas following a political storm sparked by its casting.

Sardaar Ji 3: Casting Sparks Outrage

The controversy began after Sardaar Ji 3 was revealed to feature Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The film was shot in February 2025, before heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, especially in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent micro‑conflict through Operation Sindoor.

Following the attack, a nationwide industry directive led by FWICE banned Pakistani artists from Indian projects. Although the producers had secured Hania before the events unfolded, they ultimately decided not to release the film in India to avoid inflaming national sentiments.

Co-producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu described the situation starkly: “she hit below the belt” when referring to Hania’s comments on Operation Sindoor, adding that the film would take a 40% hit in revenue without an India release.

Diljit Responds to Hania Amir Controversy

Diljit Dosanjh clarified in a BBC Asian Network interview that, “When the film was shot, the situation was fine…it was shot in February. A lot of things happened after that which are not in our control. The producers decided that they can’t release this film in India anymore. But…they decided to release it overseas as they have invested a lot of money”.

He also praised Hania’s professionalism: “Hania Aamir is good. She is very professional.” 

(Also read: Fact Check: Diljit Dosanjh ‘not replaced’ In Border 2 Despite Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy)

Sardaar Ji 3 Takes Decent Start In Overseas Market

Sardaar Ji 3 amassed over USD 500K (Rs. 4.50 crore) on Friday from the overseas market, with a record-breaking opening in Pakistan. This marks the highest opening day ever for a Punjabi film; however, the two films it is ahead of, Jatt and Juliet 3 and Carry on Jatta 3, had a mid-week release on Thursday. When comparing Friday-to-Friday, both those titles outperformed Sardaar Ji 3, making this the third-best opening for a Punjabi film in relative terms.

In Pakistan, the film grossed PKR 3.35 crore (USD 120K) on Friday, which is the highest ever first day for an Indian film, beating Sultan from almost a decade ago.

The top market for the film was Canada with CAD 195K, a good start, but pales in comparison to CAD 302K opening day and CAD 380K Friday of Jatt and Juliet 3. Similarly, Australia underwhelmed with AUD 80K against AUD 201K Friday of Jatt and Juliet 3, though here the film could have done better, but was limited by showcasing as most key locations were running full. UAE and UK, with their sizable Pakistani diaspora, saw strong starts, ahead of Jatt and Juliet 3.

Social Media Buzz around Overseas Release

Reports from Toronto, London and Karachi suggest packed theatres and enthusiastic audiences, with several international markets selling out shows. On X, The Canadian Tou tweeted: “Scenes from Toronto: #SardaarJi3 mania is real! Back‑to‑back sold out shows.” Likewise, Lollywood reported: “Massive rush in Canadian cinemas” as fans celebrated the film’s global arrival.