The Indian Punjabi film Sardar Ji 3, starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and Indian actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, continues to enjoy remarkable success, becoming the highest-grossing Indian Punjabi film in Pakistan.
Released on June 27 across Pakistan and globally, the film has reportedly earned over PKR 310 million in Pakistan to date. Industry reports confirm that it has surpassed the previous record held by Carry on Jatta 3, setting a new milestone for Indian Punjabi cinema in the country.
Internationally, the film’s success also remains strong, having grossed over USD 6 million so far.
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However, due to heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the film was not released in India. The trailer’s release had already sparked controversy in India over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir.
A section of Indian social media harshly criticized the filmmakers, and boycott campaigns emerged in some Indian states. Extremist political groups staged protests outside cinemas, demanding the film’s removal from streaming platforms and theater chains in India.
Diljit Dosanjh later told BBC Asian Network that the decision to release the film internationally was taken on the producers’ advice to protect investments, given the film was shot in the UK during a time of normalized relations.
