Hania Aamir's Sardaar Ji 3 Breaks Records in Pakistan
The film's success is a notable exception to the current trend of shrinking cinema markets in Pakistan, and its release has been met with excitement from audiences in Pakistani theatres, particularly in Punjab's urban centres. As the film continues to draw packed audiences, it remains to be seen how it will perform in the coming weeks.
Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir, has achieved a record-breaking opening in Pakistan, earning approximately Rs4.5 crore (USD 500,000) on its opening day, despite facing backlash in India due to Aamir's casting.
The film's success in Pakistan comes as a surprise, given the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, which have led to a ban on Indian films in some Pakistani cinemas. However, several major Pakistani cinemas, including Cinepax, Nueplex Cinemas, and Centaurus Cineplex, have confirmed that they will screen the film. The film's distributor, Zain Wali of Wali Films, confirmed that the film has been cleared by Pakistan's censor boards to be screened in Pakistani cinemas.
The controversy surrounding the film began when Neeru Bajwa, a Canadian-Indian actress and co-star of Hania Aamir, unfollowed Aamir on Instagram amid a growing controversy surrounding their film. Neeru has also removed promotional content related to the film from her social media accounts, and some critics have accused her of "undermining national sentiment" for collaborating with a Pakistani actress. Despite the backlash, the film is set to be released internationally, including in the UK and Canada.
The film's success in Pakistan is a significant achievement, given the current state of the cinema market in the country. The film's producer acknowledged a 40 per cent dip in overall revenue due to the loss of the Indian market. However, the film's record-breaking opening in Pakistan is a testament to the enduring popularity of Punjabi cinema in the country.