The filmmakers of Sardaar Ji 3 have decided against a theatrical release in India due to the presence of Pakistani actors, such as Hania Aamir, in the cast. This decision comes in the wake of tensions following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. It raises important questions about whether major streaming platforms will be willing to risk political backlash by releasing the film in India. Here’s a clearer analysis of the situation, including the associated risks.
### 1. Context of the Controversy
**No Release in India:** The filmmakers opted for an international-only release on June 27, 2025, to avoid potential protests and delays, especially after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film because of its Pakistani cast. This aligns with a directive from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting banning content featuring Pakistani actors.
**Public Reaction:** Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reveal widespread anger, with users labeling Diljit Dosanjh as “anti-national” and calling for boycotts of his projects.
**Industry Position:** FWICE and the All India Cinema Workers Association (AICWA) have opposed Pakistani artists since major incidents like Uri in 2016 and Pulwama in 2019, leading to bans on films such as *Abir Gulaal* and threats of legal action against collaborators.
### 2. Will Streamers Release the Film in India?
Major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar, face a difficult decision regarding the release of Sardaar Ji 3 in India. Here are the reasons they might choose to avoid the release:
**Reasons Streamers May Avoid Release:**
- **Government and Regulatory Pressure:** The existing ban on Pakistani content and FWICE’s push for non-certification create a challenging environment. While OTT platforms do not require CBFC approval, they still face scrutiny under the 2021 OTT guidelines, which emphasize "national interest." Past controversies (like *Tandav* and *Leila*) show that streamers often self-censor to avoid government action or bans. Moreover, AICWA's threats of treason charges could result in significant legal or reputational risks.
- **Public Backlash:** The social media outrage, marked by calls for boycotts on X, suggests that platforms may risk losing subscribers, akin to the backlash faced by *Laal Singh Chaddha* (2022). Hania Aamir’s alleged anti-India comments, which have been partially debunked, and her blocked Instagram account in India further inflame public dissatisfaction.
- **Industry Trends:** Films like *Abir Gulaal* have been shelved due to similar issues, and the geo-blocked trailer for *Sardaar Ji 3* in India indicates anticipated backlash and public discontent. Streams have alternative content options that are less likely to alienate Indian viewers, a key market.
- **Business Risks:** With a large subscriber base in India, avoiding controversy is paramount. Releasing the film could damage revenue and erode brand loyalty.
**Reasons Streamers Might Consider Release:**
- **Diljit’s Global Draw:** Diljit Dosanjh’s international popularity (as seen with *Chamkila* and his appearance at Coachella) makes the film appealing for overseas markets, where tensions are less pronounced. Streamers could focus on releasing the film in non-Indian territories.
- **OTT Flexibility:** Streaming platforms can geo-restrict content, allowing for a global release of *Sardaar Ji 3* while excluding India, which aligns with the filmmakers’ strategy.
- **Handling Controversial Content:** Streamers have already dealt with controversial content in the past (such as *The Kashmir Files*) by using disclaimers or regional restrictions.
- **Pre-Conflict Context:** The film was shot prior to the Pahalgam attack, which may allow for arguments that the casting was not meant to provoke and could appeal to a niche, art-focused audience.
- **Edited Version Potential:** Streamers might negotiate a version of the film that reduces the presence of Pakistani actors, thus lessening backlash while still leveraging the franchise's popularity.
### Likelihood
It is unlikely that major streaming platforms will release *Sardaar Ji 3* in India in the near future due to the political risks, government bans, and public anger surrounding its Pakistani cast. The geo-blocked trailer and the shelving of similar projects suggest that streamers will likely avoid distributing the film in India. They may instead target overseas markets or consider a delayed, edited release in India if tensions ease or if upcoming projects featuring Diljit Dosanjh, such as *Border 2*, succeed in restoring goodwill.
### 3. Risks of Releasing in India
- **Political Fallout:** Nationalist groups could instigate protests or social media campaigns, leading to potential government intervention, as witnessed with *Padmaavat* (2018).
- **Legal Issues:** FWICE's threats of lawsuits could result in costly legal battles or damage to public relations.
- **Subscriber Impact:** Boycotts could lead to a decline in subscriptions in India's price-sensitive market.
- **Brand Damage:** Being labeled as “anti-national” could harm long-term trust and brand equity.
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