KKN Gurugram Desk | Popular Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is facing backlash ahead of the release of his much-anticipated film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, scheduled to hit theatres on June 27, 2025. The film has sparked controversy due to the reported presence of Pakistani actors in its cast, triggering demands for a ban from certain political and cultural organizations.

As the release date draws closer, the film, which is expected to be a major box office attraction, is now surrounded by controversy that could potentially impact its performance and public reception.

What Triggered the Controversy?

According to multiple sources, the makers of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ have cast several Pakistani artists, including well-known names such as:

• Hania Aamir

• Nasir Chinyoti

• Danial Khaawar

• Saleem Albela

These artists are said to play supporting roles in the movie, which blends comedy, fantasy, and cultural themes — a formula that worked well in the earlier parts of the franchise.

However, the involvement of Pakistani talent in an Indian film has raised objections, especially in the current climate of strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.

Political Organizations Demand Ban on the Film

One of the key voices demanding action is the Maharashtra BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi, a film workers’ union affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The group has formally urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny clearance for the film’s release.

In a press statement, the organization argued:

“Allowing Pakistani artists to feature in Indian films while our soldiers are sacrificing their lives at the border is an insult to national sentiment and the dignity of our armed forces. The film goes against the country’s emotions.”

The group emphasized that any cultural exchange with Pakistan is unacceptable as long as the bilateral relationship remains hostile and accused the film’s creators of being insensitive to national interests.

Call for Nationwide Protests If Released

The BJP-backed film workers’ group also warned of nationwide protests if the movie is released without proper scrutiny. They stated that they would launch large-scale demonstrations in front of theatres and production houses should the film be allowed to run in cinemas unconditionally.

So far, there has been no official response from either Diljit Dosanjh or the producers of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’. The production team has maintained silence on the controversy, perhaps awaiting a decision from the censor board or trying to prevent the issue from escalating further.

Previous Success of ‘Sardaar Ji’ Franchise

The ‘Sardaar Ji’ film series has been one of the most successful Punjabi franchises in recent years. The first two installments — ‘Sardaar Ji’ (2015) and ‘Sardaar Ji 2’ (2016) — were massive hits, blending humor, fantasy, and cultural pride in a format that appealed to both Punjabi-speaking audiences and mainstream Indian viewers.

The third installment was widely anticipated as a return to form for Diljit, especially after his growing global popularity following appearances at events like Coachella 2024 and multiple successful Hindi and Punjabi music releases.

But the growing controversy may now overshadow the film’s pre-release buzz.

Cultural vs Political: The Dilemma in Indian Cinema

This isn’t the first time that Pakistani artists in Indian films have triggered opposition. Similar backlash occurred in the past:

• In 2016, following the Uri attack, several Pakistani actors including Fawad Khan and Mawra Hocane were dropped or boycotted.

• In 2019, after the Pulwama attack, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) banned Pakistani artists from working in India.

These instances reflect a broader debate in the Indian entertainment industry — balancing artistic freedom and cultural collaboration with national sentiment and geopolitical sensitivities.

The Legal and Certification Road Ahead

The fate of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ now hinges largely on how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) handles the matter. As per Indian film certification norms:

• Any film featuring foreign actors requires documentation and legal clearance.

• If a film is seen to pose a threat to public harmony, CBFC has the right to delay, reject, or demand changes before release.

If the controversy escalates further, there could also be intervention from state governments in terms of local bans, especially in BJP-ruled states.

Social Media Reaction: A Divided Audience

Reactions on social media platforms have been sharply divided:

• Some users have expressed nationalistic concerns, calling for a boycott of the film and criticizing Diljit Dosanjh for his silence.

• Others have defended the film, arguing that art and culture should not be politicized, and that the presence of international artists does not diminish national pride.

#SardaarJi3 and #BanPakArtists were both trending on Twitter/X by Friday morning, as public opinion remained polarized.

Diljit Dosanjh’s Silence: Strategic or Risky?

Diljit Dosanjh, who is known for staying away from political debates, has so far refrained from making any comment. While this might be a strategic move to avoid further fuelling the controversy, some believe that a clear stance from the actor could help clarify the situation and restore public confidence.

His growing fanbase across India and abroad will be closely watching how he and his team respond in the coming days.

As of now, the release date of June 27, 2025 still stands, but with protests brewing and certification uncertainties, the road ahead looks rocky for ‘Sardaar Ji 3’.

For Diljit Dosanjh and the makers, this film was expected to reinforce their box office dominance in Punjabi cinema. However, the current political and social climate might turn this cinematic celebration into a national debate on patriotism, cultural inclusion, and artistic freedom.