Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy: Kabir Khan Defends Film Amidst Tensions
The film's international success and the support of prominent figures like Naseeruddin Shah have sparked hopes that it may still be released in India, despite the current ban. However, the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the Indian government's stance on Pakistani content make it uncertain whether the film will ever be released in the country.
Filmmaker Kabir Khan has spoken out about the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, stating that the decision to cast her was made "ages ago" and that it's unfair to target the film due to the Pahalgam attack.
The film, which has become the highest-grossing Punjabi movie of 2025, has been denied a release certificate in India due to the Indian government's mandate to remove all digital content from Pakistan. Despite this, the film has performed well in international markets, particularly among Punjabi-speaking audiences overseas. Diljit Dosanjh, the film's lead actor, has faced a cultural and political row, with some arguing that he is an "easy target" due to his visibility and popularity.
The controversy has sparked debate, with some believing that the refusal to release the film sends a message that challenges non-populist storytelling. The film's editor, Asim Nawaz Abbasi, suggests that the controversy has intensified interest in the film in Pakistan, with people wanting to watch it because it was blocked in India. Meanwhile, Naseeruddin Shah has stood by Diljit Dosanjh, posting in his favor after India banned Sardarji 3, although his post was later deleted by Facebook.
The incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, with the Indian government blocking social media accounts of Pakistani artists, citing a technical glitch. As the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the film industry.