Diljit Dosanjh’s Latest Film Stalled due to Political Controversy

• Diljit Dosanjh faces a release ban for Sardaar Ji 3 in India.
• Sardaar Ji 3 features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir causing controversy.
• The film’s global success contrasts with its censorship in India.
• Anurag Kashyap criticizes the political motives behind the ban.
• Censorship issues also plague Dosanjh’s other film, Panjab ’95.

Diljit Dosanjh’s Film Caught in Controversy over Politics

Diljit Dosanjh, a prominent star in the Asian entertainment sector, has recently faced a significant hitch with the release of his latest film, “Sardaar Ji 3.” The film, which debuted internationally on June 27, 2025, is making waves, raking in a staggering 336 million rupees overseas during its first week alone. Yet, despite this impressive start and his status as number one on the UK’s list of top Asian celebrities, Indian audiences remain unable to view the film. This predicament arises from complex cultural and political tensions surrounding the involvement of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, which has resulted in some serious implications for Dosanjh’s film.

Censorship and Its Impact on Film Earnings

“Sardaar Ji 3,” a horror-comedy, was filmed well before recent conflicts reignited between India and Pakistan, specifically after a militant attack in Kashmir on April 22. This incident sparked renewed scrutiny on anything with Pakistani ties, leading to the Indian government’s directive to cut all digital content from Pakistan. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) subsequently pressured India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to ensure the film did not receive a release certificate due to Aamir’s involvement. Film industry elders like Girish Johar speculate that if the film had been permitted in India, it could have potentially seen its earnings double, especially given Dosanjh’s fanbase.

Industry Reaction and Broader Implications

Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who is known for his strong stance against censorship, voiced his thoughts on the situation, stating that Diljit Dosanjh serves as India’s most significant cultural ambassador. According to Kashyap, the outcry over Aamir is simply an excuse used by a faction of familiar patriots attempting to curry favor with those in power. “This matter runs deeper than mere nationality,” he explained, emphasizing that the withholding of the film reflects a broader fear of narratives that challenge mainstream ideologies. Furthermore, critics like Asim Nawaz Abbasi from Pakistan believe this localized censorship might be inadvertently creating more interest in the film, as discussions around it begin to flourish in response to its ban.

Continued Struggles with Censorship in Indian Cinema

The fallout over “Sardaar Ji 3” does not just end here. Another of Dosanjh’s films, a biopic titled “Panjab ‘95,” depicting the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been caught in a web of censorship woes since its initial script submission in 2022. Director Honey Trehan has faced a litany of challenges, including initial requests for 21 cuts that escalated over time, ultimately reaching a staggering 127 alterations. Trehan notes that the censor board’s strategy seems aimed at not just censoring content but exhausting filmmakers through pressure and relentless demands, which he argues leads to inevitable stifling of important narratives.

The case of Diljit Dosanjh and his film “Sardaar Ji 3” underscores the intersection of art and politics in India today. The refusal to grant the film a release highlights how national sentiment and cultural narratives can impact the film industry. Moreover, the ongoing challenges faced by filmmakers regarding censorship reflect a culture of control that may overwhelm critical voices in storytelling.