Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh's much-awaited film, Sardaar Ji 3, is all set to release in Pakistan on June 27 amid controversy. For those unversed, Diljit is being criticised by a section of people for collaborating with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, who plays a lead in the film.
Amid escalating backlash over inclusion of Hania in the film, it has now come to our notice that Sardaar Ji 3 will be releasing in Pakistan. It will not hit the big screens in India. While sharing the film's trailer on Instagram a few days back, Diljit had announced that it will release overseas, however, Pakistan was not mentioned.
Sardaar Ji 3's Pakistan release
According to a post shared by Pakistan-based movie theatre Cinegold Plex, on Instagram, the Diljit and Hania-starrer is set to be released in the country on Friday.
"The wait is over. Sardar Ji is back! Sardar Ji 3 hits the big screen on June 27 with double the comedy, drama, and desi madness! Ready for a full on Punjabi entertainer? Catch it first at Cinegold Plex. Book your tickets now," the caption of the now-viral post read.
The post was shared a couple of days back. Cinegold Plex has theatres in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Take a look:
Everything about the controversy
Sardaar Ji 3, a popular Punjabi comedy franchise, has come under scrutiny due to the casting of Hania at a time when the Indian entertainment industry is under pressure to distance itself from cross-border collaborations.
Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, there has been a renewed call for a blanket ban on Pakistani artists in India. In this context, many see Diljit's decision to promote the film as 'insensitive', even if the shoot of the project was completed before the attack.
Makers react to the controversy
In an official statement on June 24, the makers wrote, "Sardaarji 3 was shot before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam."
They added, "We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune."
Besides Diljit and Hania, Sardaar Ji 3 also stars Neeru Bajwa, Jasmin Bajwa, Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover and others in key roles. The film is directed by Amar Hundal and co-produced by Diljit.
