Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir’s horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3 has taken global box offices by storm, grossing nearly USD 5 million in just ten days. Despite being banned in India, the film registered the third-highest global opening for a Punjabi-language title, proving the strong pull of cross-border storytelling.
Released internationally on June 27, Sardaar Ji 3 saw packed theatres across North America, the UK, Gulf countries, and Pakistan. The film’s success is particularly impressive given that Indian regulatory bodies blocked its release following the Pahalgam attack. In Pakistan, screenings were sold out, though official box office figures were delayed due to Muharram-related cinema closures.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India withheld approval under political pressure, leading platforms to geo-block the trailer within Indian territory. Groups like FWICE and AICWA strongly opposed Diljit’s collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, going so far as to accuse the singer-actor of “working with a terrorist.”
Amid backlash, rumours swirled that Diljit was dropped from Border 2, but he dismissed the claims, later sharing behind-the-scenes footage from No Entry 2 with Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Diljit defended his decision to work with Hania, noting the film was made when political conditions were stable. He added that skipping India’s release caused major financial loss to the producers.
Meanwhile, Hania Aamir received support from Pakistani stars like Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas, and Aiman Khan, who celebrated the bold collaboration online. On the other hand, Canadian-Punjabi actor Neeru Bajwa, who also stars in the film, quietly unfollowed Hania and removed Sardaar Ji 3 content from her Instagram.
Despite the controversy, Sardaar Ji 3 continues to win hearts worldwide and may soon become the highest-grossing Punjabi film internationally, highlighting the power of talent and storytelling beyond borders.