The much-anticipated film Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Indian star Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has sparked major controversy in India.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has announced a complete boycott of the film, and the trailer has already been blocked on YouTube India. While the trailer excited fans with its comic and fantasy-packed scenes, Hania Aamir’s presence has triggered strong backlash.

Amid rising political tensions between Pakistan and India, FWICE has called for a total ban on Diljit Dosanjh’s current and future projects and has appealed to ban the film’s producers as well.

FWICE President BN Tiwari, in an interview with Hindustan Times, stated, “Diljit Dosanjh has hurt the sentiments of the Indian people by working with a Pakistani actress and insulted the sacrifices of our brave soldiers. At a time when the country is going through sensitive situations, his preference for a Pakistani artist raises questions about his loyalty.”

In response to the uproar and anticipated protests, the makers of Sardar Ji 3 have decided to release the film only overseas, completely skipping the Indian market. While the trailer has been geo-blocked on YouTube India but remains available on Diljit Dosanjh’s official Instagram account.

The trailer release also shuts down rumours circulating earlier that Hania Aamir had been removed from the film. In fact, the trailer features her in a lead role as a ghostbuster. On her Instagram, Hania shared the trailer and wrote, “Main taa darr gai."

The film comes after a tense phase between Pakistan and India following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), in which more than 26 civilians were killed. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting areas inside Pakistan and martyring over 31 civilians. Pakistan responded with a powerful counterstrike, hitting several Indian military bases and shooting down seven Indian jets, including four Rafales. After Pakistan’s strong and swift retaliation, India, which had initially taken an aggressive stance, was compelled to return to the ceasefire table.