Following the controversy of Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback film Abir Gulaal, which received backlash and almost a release ban due to Khan’s Pakistani origins, yet another cross-border venture is in the spotlight.
This time, the focus is on Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and Indian Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh.
A Cinematic Union Now in Jeopardy
The film was set to premiere on June 27, 2025, and was dubbed a historic fusion of Pakistan’s emerging cinematic talent and India’s Punjabi cinema. However, similar to Gulaal’s attempts, marketing efforts for Sardaar Ji 3 are facing growing social media backlash.
Users are calling for a grassroots movement to cease its promotion, citing patriotic concerns over the involvement of a Pakistani actress in what is viewed as an Indian production.
#BoycottSardaarJi3 Trends as Patriotism Clashes with Art
It seems like the pattern of rejecting cross-border creative endeavors is gaining momentum once again. Hashtags such as #BoycottSardaarJi3 and #BanPakArtists, reminiscent of the words that dominated X (formerly Twitter) during the Abir Gulaal fiasco, are circulating widely now.
The Ghost of 2016: History Repeats Itself
This is indicative of the increase in discomfort within parts of the Indian populace regarding cultural interactions with Pakistani artists. This traces back to the tacit ban imposed following the Uri attack in 2016.
Although neither film has been officially banned, the criticism shows how difficult and sensitive India-Pakistan collaborations have become.
Will Sardaar Ji 3 Share Abir Gulaal’s Fate?
What used to be dubbed the innovative surge of creativity from both sides of the border is now shackled by nationalist sentiments.
It is too soon to speculate if Sardaar Ji 3 will meet the same fate as Abir Gulaal, but the intensifying backlash is a clear indicator that political turmoil is brewing over the region’s art and cinema.