Sardaar Ji 3 creates history in Pakistan

Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s latest film Sardaar Ji 3 is off to a roaring start overseas, setting a historic record in Pakistan where it scored the biggest-ever opening day for an Indian film, grossing more than Rs350 million.

The milestone beats the previous record set by Salman Khan’s Sultan nearly a decade ago.

Released on June 28, the film grossed over Rs450 million globally on its opening day, making it the biggest overseas debut for a Punjabi film.

Despite the buzz, Sardaar Ji 3 was not released in India. The absence of a domestic release, both theatrical and non-theatrical, has dealt a significant blow to the film’s overall potential and to the Punjabi film industry.

Adding to the controversy, Dosanjh faced criticism in India for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside Neeru Bajwa, a move that drew political backlash but seemingly boosted interest in Pakistan and among the diaspora.