Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Scored A Big Opening Overseas
Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ takes a massive leap at the overseas box office, scoring a strong opening weekend and setting new records globally
Mumbai, July 1 – Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3 may have missed out on a domestic box office run, but it’s making waves internationally following an excellent opening weekend. The film, which didn’t release in India due to controversy, opened overseas on June 27 and has already delivered impressive numbers.
Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 collected approximately ₹18.1 crore ($2.1+ million) in its first three-day weekend, as per an official update from the makers. This marks the second-biggest opening weekend for a Punjabi film ever, trailing only Jatt & Juliet 3, which also featured Diljit in the lead role.
Breaking down the weekend earnings, the film grossed around ₹4.30 crore on Friday, followed by ₹6.75 crore on Saturday, and ₹7 crore on Sunday. North America emerged as the film’s biggest market, contributing approximately ₹6.50 crore (around $760,000) to the weekend total.
Interestingly, Sardaar Ji 3 also set a new benchmark in Pakistan, registering the highest opening ever for an Indian film in the country. The movie earned nearly ₹3.85 crore (PKR 12.75 crore / $450,000) over the weekend, surpassing the previous 3-day weekend record held by Salman Khan’s Sultan, which had opened with approximately PKR 11 crore back in 2016.
The controversy that led to the film’s non-release in India stems from its casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Her involvement sparked backlash, particularly in light of recent tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack involving Pakistani terrorists. Due to growing public outrage, the makers opted against a domestic theatrical release.
With such a strong international reception, it’s evident that Sardaar Ji 3 had the potential to perform exceptionally well in Indian theatres. At a time when the Punjabi film industry is reeling from a string of underwhelming releases, this film could have been a much-needed box office boost.
Markets: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, UAE, and Pakistan—excluding India due to ongoing political tensions and industry objectionsThe decision followed intensified calls from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and other unions to ban Pakistani talent in Indian films after the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor
The film features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, sparking backlash from Indian industry bodies
Despite heated debate, the producers confirmed filming in February–March 2025, prior to the geopolitical escalation
FWICE urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold certification, but no official ban was imposed. Instead, the team opted to withdraw from the Indian market
Record-breaking debut: ₹3.0 crore (PKR 30 million) on Day 1—largest opening ever for an Indian Punjabi film in Pakistan
Day 2: ~₹4.0 crore PKR
Two-day total: ₹7.15 crore PKR (~₹1.82 crore INR).
Weekend total: ₹3.85 crore PKR (~₹1.0 crore INR), surpassing Salman Khan’s Sultan as the top Indian film debut in Pakistan
North America contributed roughly ₹6.5 crore (~$760K) to opening weekend totals.
The film amassed approximately ₹5 crore from all overseas territories on opening day and surged to ₹11 crore in the first two days
Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu expected a 40% revenue hit from skipping the lucrative Indian market, nearly halving projected earnings.
Still, overseas success, especially in Pakistan, provided crucial recoup amid backlash
The “Sardaar Ji” franchise began in 2015, followed by a 2016 sequel. It previously hit strong box-office marks, though none featured Pakistani talent
“Sardaar Ji 3”, despite controversy, is now part of the highest-grossing Punjabi titles internationally, following milestones from films like Jatt & Juliet 3 (₹107 cr) and Carry on Jatta 2 in global markets
Filming predated geopolitical volatility, yet the casting triggered significant nationalist vitriol and boycott campaigns like #BoycottDiljit and #BanSardaarJi3 across Indian social platforms
Producer Sidhu stated they’ll avoid casting Pakistani talent in future projects to “not hurt the sentiments of our people
Hania Aamir herself distanced from the controversy, thanking Pakistani audiences for the love—even as some Indian users scrutinized her Instagram posts
Diljit defended the film, stating all decisions were made before the crisis and expressing disappointment at being targeted over a creative choice .
Known for selling out concerts in the UK, US, and Canada—like Toronto Rogers Centre—he’s one of Punjabi cinema’s most bankable crosses over stars
Success abroad, especially in Pakistan and North America, signals Punjabi films’ rising international appeal, transcending the domestic Indian market.
As regional cinema reaches global diasporas, cultural narratives shift—despite rising nationalism—increasing opportunities for cross-cultural collaborations and cinema diplomacy.
Financial recovery: With ₹11 crore overseas in two days, the film is positioned to recoup much of the projected loss—though India’s exclusion caps ultimate earnings .
Sequel prospects: Despite cast changes, franchise loyalty and strong performance abroad may prompt a “Sardaar Ji 4”—sans Pakistani talent.
Industry recalibration: The crisis may reshape how regional films engage cross-border collaborators, factoring in geopolitical risk.
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