Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming comedy-horror film Sardaar Ji 3 will not see a theatrical release in India, as escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack have led to a ban on Pakistani artists. The film, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role, is now scheduled to release exclusively internationally on June 27.
The announcement was made by Dosanjh himself via Instagram on Sunday, where he shared the film’s trailer and wrote, “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.”
Check it out here:
The trailer has been geo-blocked for Indian viewers on YouTube, displaying the message: “The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” However, promotional content such as the teaser and songs remain accessible to Indian audiences.
Though absent from the teaser, Hania Aamir appears in the official trailer, playing a ghost hunter alongside Dosanjh. The plot follows their mission to rid a haunted mansion in the UK of a lingering spirit. The storyline also includes romantic tensions, with both Hania Aamir and Neeru Bajwa competing for Dosanjh’s attention.
The decision to restrict the film’s release to overseas territories follows a wave of criticism and formal objections raised by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). The organisation appealed to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film’s release in India, citing the presence of several Pakistani cast members, including Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, in addition to Aamir.
This development comes in the aftermath of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which significantly strained bilateral relations. Adding to the controversy, Hania Aamir’s Instagram account was reportedly blocked in India following allegations that she made anti-India comments after the military operation ‘Operation Sindoor.’
Given the sensitive geopolitical backdrop and industry pushback, the film’s producers opted to drop Indian screens entirely. While Sardaar Ji 3 will release globally on June 27, it will remain unavailable to Indian audiences.