June 24, 2025: Amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, the trailer of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Sardaar Ji 3 was released on Sunday. However, the movie has been embroiled in a controversy and is facing backlash for featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role.
The trailer of the movie has been geo-blocked in India as Pakistani artistes were banned in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. However, Indian users can still access the movie's teaser and songs. Although the film was shot before the Pahalgam attack, its release has since drawn criticism. The horror-comedy — originally scheduled for a global release on June 27 — will not be released theatrically in India due to online backlash and calls for a ban. Instead, the makers have opted for an international-only release.
Before Sardaar Ji 3, a blanket ban was also enforced on Fawad Khan-starrer Abir Gulaal.
Hania Aamir stirred controversy in early May when she took to Instagram to condemn India’s Operation Sindoor — a cross-border military strike in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. She described the strikes as “cowardly” and an act of “cruelty,” expressing grief over the civilian lives lost in Pakistan. Aamir even mocked the Indian Army on social media, triggering a massive backlash by Indian users.
Other than Aamir, the movie also features Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar and Saleem Albela. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees had raised objections and issued a statement urging the Central Board of Film Certification to withhold clearance for the movie.
Following the trailer’s release, many users went on to express disappointment and called out Diljit for working with a Pakistani actor.
Users wrote, "Boycott" and "Diljit Dosanjh is a traitor." Another person wrote, "Country first, boycott @diljitdosanjh @teamdiljitglobal." “Hania Aamir, a Pakistani actress, was sharing stories on Instagram referring to Operation Sindoor as Hindutva extremism and calling India a coward. She currently earns money in India. She is starring alongside Diljit Dosanjh in "Sardaar Ji 3." dislike India. Make profit. Repeat,” posted a user on X.