The much-anticipated Punjabi supernatural comedy "Sardaar Ji 3," starring Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, has become the center of a major controversy that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The film, which was scheduled to release today (June 27, 2025), is now facing an India release ban while receiving approval for overseas screenings.

The Controversy Unfolds

The primary source of contention stems from the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside the beloved Punjabi cinema duo of Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa. The casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the much-anticipated film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, has sparked intense backlash from fans and social media users.

In the film, both Hania Aamir and Neeru Bajwa are shown romantically paired with Diljit Dosanjh, which has led to further criticism from certain sections of the audience who have called for a boycott of the movie.

Neeru Bajwa's Strategic Withdrawal

In what appears to be a damage control move, reports suggest that Neeru Bajwa has not only unfollowed her Pakistani co-star Hania Aamir but also deleted all posts related to the film from her official Instagram account. This development has raised questions about the veteran Punjabi actress's stance on the controversy.

Neeru Bajwa also has a significant role. The film is only releasing overseas on June 27, and not in India, indicating that the actress is navigating the sensitive political climate surrounding the film's release.

Film's Overseas-Only Release Strategy

Due to mounting pressure and public sentiment, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have made the unprecedented decision to skip the Indian theatrical release entirely. Pakistani censor board approves Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir's film, makers skip India release, while the film will be screened in international markets including Pakistan, the UK, and other overseas territories.

The decision represents a significant financial risk for the producers, as the Indian market typically constitutes the largest revenue base for Punjabi films.

Plot and Cast Details

Ghost hunter Jaggi and spirit friend Pinky investigate a haunted castle in the UK. As they confront a defiant ghost and uncover a dark secret, Jaggi races against time to solve his most difficult case. The film continues the successful supernatural comedy franchise that has been popular among Punjabi cinema audiences.

The action-packed ghostbusting adventure features a star-studded cast including Neeru Bajwa, Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, Sapna Pabbi, and more, making it one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.

Diljit Dosanjh's Response

The global Punjabi superstar has addressed the controversy through various platforms. Diljit Dosanjh recently addressed the controversy, telling the BBC Asian Network that the project was completed before current political tensions arose. This statement suggests that the film was produced during a different political climate, and the current situation was unforeseen by the production team.

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses

Diljit shared behind-the-scenes photos from the UK set in June 2025, showing scenes with Neeru Bajwa and hinting at upcoming ghostly and romantic sequences. These promotional materials had initially generated excitement among fans before the controversy erupted.

Industry Impact and Future Implications

The Sardaar Ji 3 controversy highlights the complex challenges faced by the entertainment industry when navigating cross-border collaborations. The film marks the first collaboration between Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, making it a significant milestone that has unfortunately been overshadowed by political sensitivities.

For Neeru Bajwa, who has been a cornerstone of Punjabi cinema and has previously collaborated successfully with Diljit Dosanjh in hits like "Jatt & Juliet" series, this situation presents a delicate balance between professional commitments and public sentiment.

Conclusion

As Sardaar Ji 3 releases in overseas markets today, the controversy surrounding its Indian ban and Neeru Bajwa's apparent distancing from promotional activities represents a watershed moment for Punjabi cinema. The situation underscores the increasingly complex intersection of entertainment and geopolitics in contemporary filmmaking.

The film's reception in international markets will likely determine the future of such cross-border collaborations in Punjabi cinema, while the industry watches closely to see how this unprecedented situation unfolds.