Sardaar Ji 3, Diljit Dosanjh’s highly anticipated Punjabi entertainer, is under threat of being stopped in its tracks after FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) objected to any purported association with Pakistani actress Hania Amir. The film is slated for certain release on June 27, 2025, in theatres, and its future of a theatrical release remains in limbo.
Meanwhile, Diljit’s other film Detective Sherdil is still expected to arrive on Zee5 via OTTplay Premium on June 20.
FWICE Provides Letter To CBFC: “Ban On Pakistani Artists Should Be Maintained”
The controversy arose after some behind-the-scenes location photos from the sets of Sardaar Ji 3 showed several actresses with their faces covered, and the internet was quick to speculate that it potentially could’ve been Hania Amir. While they did their best to obstruct any evidence of her being in the film, detectives on social media were certain she was also included in the — then, unconfirmed — cast.
As a result, FWICE sent in an official letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) stating that it should refrain from certifying the film based on the directives of the Ministry of I&B:
“We call upon CBFC to follow these directions and consideration of the national interest before issuing certification,”
the letter read, also stating that Diljit himself could be banned if he releases without clarification.
Hania Amir, Nasir Chinyoti & Others Connected To Project
Although earlier reports stated that Hania Amir would not be involved, her apparent presence in Diljit’s ‘chudel’ introduction post sparked speculation again. There are also reports of other Pakistani artists, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, currently connected to the project.
No statement was issued by Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, or the movie’s production team. The only context given for now was that Diljit revealed in the post a t-shirt with Michelle Yeoh, not Hania.
Sardaar Ji 3 Release On June 27 Now Uncertain
While it seems like CBFC involvement is still a lingering question, FWICE remains a strong concern, and it is subsequently highly unlikely for Sardaar Ji 3 to hit the cinema on the planned June 27 release date. This is potentially a big-revenue problem for Diljit after having the critical and digital success of Chamkila, followed by the theatrical chase for Sardaar Ji 3.
While Detective Sherdil moves right along in OTT release, the same way Sardaar Ji 3 now seems under the shadow of uncertainty and awaiting the claim of clarification from Diljit, the action of the CBFC.
Box Office Worldwide Verdict
What started out to be an enjoyable occasion for Punjabi cinema could possibly develop into one of the largest release controversies of 2025. With FWICE threatening to ban Diljit Dosanjh for violating their state directives, which include prohibiting any work related to or for Pakistan, Sardaar Ji 3 is currently locked in neutral.
Whether Sardaar Ji 3 screens or doesn’t screen, this kerfuffle around it has brought the art vs politics debate back into full view — with the matter now in flux until any official communications clarify things.
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