Diljit Dosanjh, Pakistani star Hania Aamir's 'Sardaar Ji 3' to release overseas, but not in India amid boycott calls

Diljit Dosanjh’s supernatural comedy Sardaar Ji 3 will not release in India, following a political storm triggered by the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and the aftermath of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, according to reports.

On Sunday, Diljit shared the trailer on Instagram with the caption: “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only / FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.”

But the trailer is blocked on YouTube for Indian users, reading: “The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” The teaser and songs remain accessible, but fans quickly noticed the teaser had conveniently omitted any scenes featuring Hania Aamir—whose presence in the full trailer sparked instant outrage.

In Sardaar Ji 3, Diljit returns as Jaggi, a cocky and comical ghost hunter summoned to a haunted castle in the UK. After a failed military mission to rid the mansion of its malevolent spirit, Jaggi is called in with his ghostly sidekick Pinky to do the job. But things quickly spiral into chaos as he uncovers buried secrets and gets entangled in romantic hijinks involving not one but two women—fellow ghost hunter Hania Aamir and returning franchise star Neeru Bajwa.

Packed with action, paranormal comedy, and dramatic standoffs in foggy European landscapes, the film continues the beloved Sardaar Ji formula—albeit with far more controversy this time around.

Diljit, usually known for his clean image and cross-border appeal, is now under fire on Indian social media. Hashtags like #BoycottDiljit and #BanSardaarJi3 have begun trending, with netizens accusing the actor of ignoring national sentiment. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) even urged the CBFC to deny certification for the film, citing not just Aamir but the inclusion of multiple Pakistani actors—Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela.

To avoid further escalation, the makers opted to withdraw the film’s release from Indian theatres entirely.

The backlash intensified when it emerged that Hania Aamir’s Instagram account had been blocked in India after she allegedly posted anti-India remarks following Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack.

Her casting, kept tightly under wraps during early promotions, has now become the film’s most controversial talking point.

Despite the uproar, Sardaar Ji 3 is expected to draw Punjabi-speaking audiences overseas, especially in Canada, the UK, and Australia, where Diljit’s fanbase remains strong.