Sardaar Ji 3 finally reaches Indian audiences after controversy

The Punjabi horror-comedy film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside Indian star Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, has finally become available to Indian audiences through a digital release after facing a lengthy delay due to political tensions between the two countries.

The film premiered on Chaupal OTT on November 9, 2026, more than a year after its international theatrical release on June 27, 2025. Indian viewers can now watch the much-discussed project despite its previously cancelled cinema release.

The controversy surrounding the film began when Hania’s casting faced strong opposition in India amid worsening diplomatic relations with Pakistan. The situation became more complicated following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which sparked widespread criticism of professional collaborations involving Pakistani artists.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) not to grant the film certification, increasing pressure on its production team. Consequently, the makers decided to release the project internationally rather than pursue an Indian theatrical opening.

The producers maintained that filming had been completed in February 2025, before the political situation deteriorated. They also clarified that no Pakistani artists had been engaged after the Pahalgam incident. The team subsequently decided to keep the film and its promotional content away from India until conditions improved.

Diljit later addressed the controversy, explaining that developments after filming had made an Indian cinema release difficult. Although he acknowledged the financial consequences of missing a major market, he supported the producers’ decision to proceed with an international release.

Despite the controversy, ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ reportedly achieved impressive box-office numbers in Pakistan. Exhibitor Nadeem Mandviwalla estimated that the film earned approximately Rs600 million locally, making it one of the country’s biggest Punjabi film releases.

Diljit also appreciated Hania’s professionalism, describing their working experience as positive. He praised her contribution while highlighting the importance of respecting personal boundaries and women’s privacy.

Directed by Amar Hundal, the film marks the third instalment in the popular ‘Sardaar Ji’ franchise. Diljit portrays Jaggi, a ghost hunter who travels to a mansion in the United Kingdom to investigate supernatural activities. Hania also appears as a ghost hunter in the horror-comedy.

The film’s OTT debut has now given it another opportunity to reach Indian viewers, bringing an end to a prolonged wait caused by cross-border political tensions.