‘Sardaar Ji 3’ goes houseful in Pakistan, banned in India: Diljit’s film sets new box office record across the border

Sardaar Ji 3, starring Indian singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has sparked a cultural firestorm — banned from cinemas in India but creating history in Pakistan. Released internationally on June 27, the film raked in over ₹11 crore in just two days, with Pakistan driving the lion’s share of the revenue.

Packed theatres, cheering audiences, and record-breaking box office figures have marked the film’s release across the border. On day one alone, Sardaar Ji 3 earned $500,000 (₹4.27 crore) in Pakistan. It surged to ₹6.71 crore on day two, totaling ₹11.03 crore worldwide.

Despite — or perhaps because of — its controversial casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, the horror-comedy has struck a chord with fans in Pakistan. Clips shared by Lahore and Multan’s Universal Cinemas show sold-out shows and thunderous applause, with Cinegold Plex showcasing videos of enthusiastic crowds and long queues.

“This is what we needed. I haven’t laughed and smiled like this in ages,” said one Pakistani fan, echoing the sentiment across social media.

However, the film’s reception in India has been entirely different. After the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) called on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film’s release, citing the presence of a Pakistani actor. Amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, the producers chose not to recast and instead skipped the Indian market entirely — a significant financial sacrifice.

Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Dosanjh clarified that when he signed on for the project in February, “everything was fine.” He noted that the producers decided to release the film overseas only after circumstances drastically changed. “They’ve invested a lot of money… this was beyond anyone’s control,” he said, adding that he fully supports their decision.

The backlash in India hasn’t gone unnoticed. Social media users and industry insiders alike have questioned Dosanjh’s decision to share screen space with a Pakistani actor, though the star remains tight-lipped on the controversy.

Meanwhile, the film is making global waves. Sardaar Ji 3 now holds the record for the highest-ever opening for an Indian film in Pakistan, surpassing Salman Khan’s Sultan. It also ranks as the third-best opening day for a Punjabi film worldwide, trailing only Jatt & Juliet 3 and Carry On Jatta.

While the debate rages in India, across the border Sardaar Ji 3 continues its triumphant run, turning a politically charged casting decision into a box office phenomenon.