June 23, 2025: Just days before its scheduled international release, Diljit Dosanjh’s highly anticipated horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3 is under fire in India. The film, which stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside Diljit and Neeru Bajwa, has drawn sharp backlash from the Indian film industry, leading to a call for a nationwide industry-level ban.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the apex film workers’ union, announced its intent to issue a formal directive barring the release of Sardaar Ji 3 in India. Speaking to India Today, FWICE President BN Tiwari said, “None of their films and projects would be allowed to be released in India. There would be complete cooperation from the Indian film industry.”
An official statement is expected from the body later today.
From Trailer to Trouble: ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Controversy Grows
The controversy emerged after the producers opted for an overseas-only release, skipping the Indian market entirely. Tensions escalated after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 Indian tourists and triggered India’s military response under Operation Sindoor. In light of the rising geopolitical friction, the inclusion of a Pakistani actor has proven to be a flashpoint.
On June 22, Diljit Dosanjh shared the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 on his official Instagram page, revealing the global release date of June 27, with a caption that read: “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN (sic).”
Meanwhile, the film’s YouTube trailer has been geo-restricted for Indian viewers, further signaling the team’s avoidance of the Indian market.
This isn’t the first time the Indian film industry has pushed back against the inclusion of Pakistani talent. Recently, Abir Gulaal, a Hindi feature film marking Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinema after nearly a decade, was similarly banned by FWICE.
FWICE Calls for Ban on Diljit’s ‘Sardaar Ji 3’
‘Sardaar Ji 3’, which blends horror and comedy, follows the story of a ghost-hunting duo—played by Diljit and Hania, tasked with cleansing a haunted mansion in the UK. Despite the film’s light-hearted genre and international appeal, its association with Pakistani artists has stirred strong political and cultural sensitivities.
With mounting pressure from film bodies and a heightened national sentiment, the road ahead for Sardaar Ji 3 in India seems increasingly uncertain.