Sardaar Ji 3’ Breaks Records in Pakistan Despite India Ban

News Desk 

Islamabad: Despite swirling political tensions and an India-wide boycott, Punjabi comedy-fantasy Sardaar Ji 3 has roared to life at the Pakistani box office—delivering a record-breaking opening that’s making waves across South Asia’s entertainment scene.

The film, starring superstar Diljit Dosanjh and the ever-popular Neeru Bajwa, raked in an estimated Rs4.5 crore (USD 500,000) on its first day in Pakistan alone—making it the biggest opening day ever for an Indian film in the country. Notably, the film did not release in India due to strained diplomatic relations in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

A New Record Holder

SJ3 has now officially dethroned Salman Khan’s 2016 hit Sultan, which previously held the title for the highest-grossing Indian film opening in Pakistan. The surprising box office feat comes at a time when Pakistan’s cinema industry is facing multiple crises—from sky-high inflation to a prolonged ban on Bollywood content.

Several theatres have shut down in recent years, but Sardaar Ji 3 brought life back to the screens, especially in Punjab’s major cities.

The supernatural-themed film, a third installment in the beloved franchise, also drew attention over casting controversies involving Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. While her inclusion stirred backlash in India, it added to the film’s intrigue and star power in Pakistan.

Producers Count the Cost of India Ban

Despite the film’s strong international debut, producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu revealed that skipping the Indian market has cost them dearly—resulting in an estimated 40% drop in revenue.

“Our previous film Jatt & Juliet 3 earned 40% of its total revenue from India,” Sidhu told an Indian news channel. “That market is now shut to us, and while I stand by casting Hania Aamir at the time, I wouldn’t make the same decision today.”

Dosanjh Speaks Out

In his first public comments on the matter, lead star Diljit Dosanjh told BBC Asian Network that the decision to release the film overseas was taken after carefully weighing the producers’ investment risks.

“The movie was shot in the UK when ties between the two countries were normal. The overseas release was our best option for recovery,” said Dosanjh.

Global Success for Punjabi Cinema

Sardaar Ji 3 has now become the third-highest overseas opener in Punjabi cinema history—trailing behind Jatt & Juliet 3 and Carry On Jatta. However, industry watchers note that the latter two films released mid-week, while SJ3 dropped on a Friday—typically the most lucrative day for cinema openings.

Despite its hurdles, Sardaar Ji 3 proves the enduring power of Punjabi cinema to transcend borders—and politics. Its roaring success in Pakistan is not only a win for filmmakers but a reminder of how art continues to connect audiences across even the most strained boundaries.