Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir’s highly anticipated film, ‘Sardaar Ji 3,’ has made a sensational debut at the box office, particularly in Pakistani theaters, since its release on June 27, 2025. Despite facing controversy and a subsequent non-release in India, the Punjabi film has reportedly shattered opening day collection records in Pakistan and achieved impressive worldwide figures, signaling a significant win for Punjabi cinema on the global stage.
The film, which features Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh alongside Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and other Pakistani artists, has garnered immense love and support from Pakistani audiences. Initial reports from Pakistan indicate that ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ opened to packed houses and recorded a stellar performance on its first day, defying expectations and highlighting the widespread appeal of its lead stars and cross-border collaborations.
‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Delivers Stellar Opening Day Collection
According to Pakistani box office reports, ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ achieved an outstanding first-day collection in Pakistani cinemas. The film, starring the dynamic duo of Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir, reportedly grossed over ₹3 crore on its opening day in Pakistan alone. This figure positions it as one of the biggest Punjabi film openings in the country’s history.
Beyond Pakistan, ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ also performed exceptionally well globally. Worldwide box office figures for the first day indicate that the film collected over ₹5 crore, showcasing its broad appeal among the Punjabi diaspora and international audiences who have access to its screenings.
Pakistani Cinema’s official Instagram handle shared these impressive figures, further solidifying the film’s blockbuster status. Following this grand opening, Hania Aamir took to social media to express her gratitude to her fans for their overwhelming love and support, acknowledging the pivotal role they played in the film’s success. This strong performance underscores the significant fanbase Diljit Dosanjh enjoys internationally, capable of driving massive box office numbers even without a key market like India.
‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Becomes Pakistan’s Highest-Opening Punjabi Film
Reports circulating within the Pakistani film industry and among trade analysts strongly suggest that ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ has officially become the highest-opening Punjabi film in Pakistan. This is a monumental achievement, reflecting the film’s popularity and the drawing power of its lead cast. The initial days saw houseful shows across numerous cinemas, indicating a strong positive buzz and high audience anticipation.
This success follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, ‘Sardaar Ji’ (2015) and ‘Sardaar Ji 2’ (2016), both of which were major box office hits. The first ‘Sardaar Ji’ film set a record for the highest collection among Punjabi films released in 2015, establishing the franchise’s commercial viability. Building on this success, ‘Sardaar Ji 2,’ released in 2016, reportedly achieved a remarkable box office collection of ₹24.20 crore, further cementing the franchise’s popularity. The current performance of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ indicates that the franchise continues its winning streak, resonating strongly with audiences wherever it is released.
The Controversy: A Ban in India Due to Cross-Border Casting
It is crucial to note that ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ has been embroiled in controversy in India, which ultimately led to its non-release in the country. The primary reason for this has been the presence of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the film. Cross-border collaborations, particularly involving Pakistani artists in Indian productions, have faced significant political and public backlash in India in recent years, often leading to bans or protests against such content.
Despite the film being a Punjabi production featuring a leading Indian Punjabi artist like Diljit Dosanjh, the casting of Hania Aamir triggered a strong reaction among certain factions in India. This ongoing sensitivity surrounding artistic collaborations between India and Pakistan has regrettably impacted the film’s theatrical release in its home market. The controversy highlights the complex interplay of art, politics, and national sentiment in the subcontinent.
Diljit Dosanjh: A Global Cultural Icon
Diljit Dosanjh’s influence transcends geographical boundaries. He is not merely an actor or a singer; he is a global cultural phenomenon who has successfully introduced Punjabi music and cinema to a worldwide audience. His performances at international music festivals, his collaborations, and his consistent delivery of engaging content have built him a massive and loyal fanbase across continents. This global appeal is precisely why ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ could achieve such significant worldwide collections despite its inability to release in India.
His ability to bridge cultures through his art, particularly between Indian and Pakistani audiences who share a common linguistic and cultural heritage (Punjabi), is a testament to his universal appeal. While political tensions may restrict theatrical releases, the digital age and global diaspora often find ways to access and support artists they admire.
Impact on Cross-Border Collaborations and Punjabi Cinema
The success of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ in Pakistan and other international markets, coupled with its ban in India, presents a complex picture for cross-border artistic collaborations. On one hand, it demonstrates the strong demand and appreciation for such content, proving that art can indeed transcend political divides among audiences. On the other hand, it underscores the continuing challenges faced by filmmakers and artists who wish to work across the India-Pakistan border, often becoming casualties of geopolitical tensions.
For Punjabi cinema, this film’s performance is a mixed bag. While the record-breaking success in Pakistan and strong worldwide numbers showcase the growing international reach and commercial viability of Punjabi films, the inability to release in India represents a significant missed opportunity for domestic revenue. It also raises questions about the future of casting choices in Punjabi films if they aim for a wider release in India.
The strong opening of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ outside India indicates that the film has a dedicated audience eager to consume its content. Its long-term box office performance in international markets will be keenly watched. The controversy surrounding its India release will undoubtedly continue to be a talking point, fueling debates about artistic freedom, cultural exchange, and the role of politics in entertainment.
While the immediate future of cross-border films remains uncertain due to political sensitivities, the global success of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ serves as a powerful reminder of the universal appeal of entertainment and the ability of artists like Diljit Dosanjh to connect with audiences worldwide.
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