*Sardaar Ji 3* has adopted an international-only release strategy, set for June 27, 2025. Starring Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir, the film is bypassing India due to boycott calls and objections from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) regarding Pakistani actors. The trailer was geo-blocked in India, reflecting a strategy to focus on international audiences.
*Abir Gulaal*, featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, was initially scheduled for release on May 9, 2025, but is now postponed due to a ban by India's Information and Broadcasting Ministry and FWICE following the Pahalgam attack. This, combined with the withdrawal of Pakistani distributors, limits its release options. However, opportunities in international markets remain viable, despite logistical challenges, especially in the UAE.
Fawad Khan has a significant following among Pakistani expatriates in the UK, USA, and Canada, thanks to his roles in popular dramas and Bollywood films. The Pakistani diaspora—over 1.5 million in the UK, around 500,000 in the USA, and more than 200,000 in Canada—often supports their stars, as evidenced by the international success of *The Legend of Maula Jatt* (2022).
*Abir Gulaal* is a romantic comedy set in London, appealing not only to South Asian viewers but also to mainstream Western audiences. With a talented cast, the film has crossover potential. Its music, composed by Amit Trivedi, could attract attention if marketed effectively, although recent removals from YouTube India could hinder this.
Both films face challenges such as bans and limited distributor interest, but *Sardaar Ji 3*’s strategy sets a precedent for *Abir Gulaal*.
*Content Adaptation* could involve tailoring marketing to avoid sensitive themes, while *Marketing Strategy* could focus on diaspora communities in the West and Gulf countries. Leveraging Fawad Khan’s star power for *Abir Gulaal* and Diljit Dosanjh’s fanbase for *Sardaar Ji 3* could be crucial.
Securing international distributors is vital, as *Sardaar Ji 3* has confirmed overseas releases, while *Abir Gulaal* is still seeking partners. Legal and political risks remain, with potential backlash from Indian film bodies for international releases amid domestic bans.
Timing and Stabilization in India:
Maker of Sardaar 3 in thier recent statment hope for waiting for India-Pakistan tensions to ease before trying to release in India. Historically, bans on Pakistani artists in India (e.g., post-2016 Uri attack, 2019 Pulwama attack) have been politically driven and slow to lift. The 2023 Bombay High Court ruling against banning Pakistani artists offered hope, but the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor in May 2025 have reignited restrictions.
- Stabilization could take months or years, depending on diplomatic developments. An international-only release buys time but risks financial losses if India remains a key market. Sardaar Ji 3’s makers have accepted this trade-off, but Abir Gulaal’s producers may hesitate given the film’s reported financial troubles.
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