On Sunday evening, Diljit Dosanjh unveiled the trailer of his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3. There had been several rumours suggesting that Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, who plays the female lead, would be replaced following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists and further strained India-Pakistan relations.
However, Hania's presence in the trailer has put those rumours to rest. In a surprising twist, the film will not be released in India due to the ongoing tensions between the two countries and will instead release only overseas. Sharing the trailer, Diljit wrote, "Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN."
Check out the trailer:
The Sardaar Ji 3 trailer is also unavailable for viewers in India on YouTube. When attempting to play the video, users are met with the message: "The uploader has not made this video available in your country."
On June 11, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold certification of Sardaar Ji 3 due to the inclusion of Pakistani artistes. In addition to Hania Aamir, the cast also features Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela. As a result, it appears the makers opted to skip a theatrical release in India and release the film only overseas to avoid further complications.
While the songs and teaser of Sardaar Ji 3 are available for Indian users to watch, the trailer is not, likely due to Hania Aamir's presence in it.
Hania's Instagram account has also been blocked in India following the terror attack in Pahalgam and the resulting escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan.
She also made anti-India remarks following India's Operation Sindoor — a mission launched on May 7, during which nine terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were targeted in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack.
