Only a few days before its planned June 27 international release, Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s next movie, Sardaar Ji 3, has been embroiled in controversy. Fans and Indian film industry organizations are increasingly criticizing the movie, which stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir opposite Diljit and Neeru Bajwa.
Following the April incident in the Pahalgam area of India-held Kashmir that murdered 26 tourists and India’s military reaction through Operation Sindoor, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has taken action in the face of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
In an exclusive statement, FWICE president BN Tiwari informed India Today that the organization intends to issue a formal order prohibiting Diljit Dosanjh and the Sardaar Ji 3 producers from releasing any movies in India.
“They would not be permitted to release any of their movies or projects in India. The Indian film industry would fully cooperate,” Tiwari stated, adding that a formal declaration would be released later that day. Due to the prohibition on Pakistani artists by the film industry after the Pahalgam assault, the movie will not be released in the nation.
The action was taken in response to Diljit’s June 22 posting of the Sardaar Ji 3 trailer on his own Instagram profile, which revealed that the movie will only be released “OVERSEAS.”
“They would not be permitted to release any of their movies or projects in India. The Indian film industry would fully cooperate,” Tiwari stated, adding that a formal declaration would be released later that day. Due to the prohibition on Pakistani artists by the film industry after the Pahalgam assault, the movie will not be released in the nation.
The action was taken in response to Diljit’s June 22 posting of the Sardaar Ji 3 trailer on his own Instagram profile, which revealed that the movie will only be released “OVERSEAS.”
As he captioned it, “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN (sic),”
Hania Aamir plays a ghost hunter in a horror-comedy setting in the clip, which has already been geo-blocked on YouTube for Indian users.
As it was revealed that the ensemble cast of the movie also included Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, among other Pakistani talents, the outcry grew more intense. Particularly in the light of recent tensions, FWICE has been adamant that no cooperation with Pakistani talent will be accepted.
“If Diljit Dosanjh or any other artist continues to act like this, an action will be taken not just against their film but against them as well,” Tiwari had previously warned Diljit Dosanjh in a direct warning. Non-cooperation will be the charge against them. Traitors have no place here.
Those that oppose this nation cannot be supported by the film business. People who are aiding others while sitting in India must be stopped. We’re receiving several names. If they do not contribute to the nation’s advancement, they will be removed from the industry.
This development may cause problems for Dosanjh’s currently uncertain upcoming Bollywood project, Border 2.
Producer Gunbir Singh Sindhu defended the casting by stating that Sardaar Ji 3 was filmed long before the current India-Pakistan conflict. Before the war with Pakistan, the movie was filmed. “The film will not be released in India due to sentiments about the country,” he said.
The dispute comes after FWICE had banned Abir Gulaal, another movie starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, which was his planned return to Indian cinema after a nine-year hiatus.
There are no preparations for an Indian release of Sardaar Ji 3, which is scheduled to debut in overseas markets on June 27 despite the criticism.
