Sardaar Ji 3 smashes records in Pakistan — Check box office collection

Defying political tensions and a voluntary boycott in India, the Punjabi comedy-drama Sardaar Ji 3 has made history in Pakistan, becoming the highest-opening Indian film ever released in the country. The Diljit Dosanjh-starrer, which hit theaters on June 27, collected an impressive ₹4.5 crore (approx. $500,000) on its opening day—surpassing the previous record held by Salman Khan’s Sultan (2016).

A Surprise Hit in Pakistan, Banned at Home

The film’s success comes despite its absence from Indian cinemas, where it was pulled following the diplomatic fallout from the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. While political tensions led to calls for a boycott in India, Pakistani audiences flocked to theaters, particularly in Punjab’s urban centers like Lahore and Islamabad, where shows ran to packed houses.

Industry experts note that the controversy surrounding the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir—along with the film’s supernatural-comedy plot—fueled curiosity among viewers. “The buzz around the political backlash actually worked in its favor,” said a Lahore-based exhibitor. “People wanted to see what the fuss was about.”

A Blow to Revenue, But a Win for Overseas Markets

Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu confirmed that the loss of the Indian market has cost the film nearly 40% of its potential earnings. “Our last film, Jatt & Juliet 3, earned 40% of its revenue from India. That door is now closed,” Sidhu admitted in an interview. He also hinted at avoiding cross-border casting in future projects given the current political climate.

Despite this setback, Sardaar Ji 3 has emerged as the third-highest overseas opener for a Punjabi film, trailing only Jatt & Juliet 3 and Carry On Jatta. Analysts point out that its Friday release—typically the strongest day for box office earnings—gave it an advantage over its predecessors, which debuted mid-week.

Diljit Dosanjh Responds to Backlash

Facing criticism in India for the film’s Pakistan release, Dosanjh clarified that the decision was purely financial. “The movie was shot in the UK when relations were stable,” he told BBC Asian Network. “The producers had to recover their investment, so an overseas release was the only option.”

A Glimmer of Hope for Struggling Pakistani Cinemas

The film’s success has provided a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s dwindling cinema industry, which has suffered due to inflation and the prolonged ban on Bollywood films. Many theaters had shut down in recent years, but Sardaar Ji 3 has reignited interest in Punjabi cinema, proving that cultural connections can sometimes transcend political divides.

As the debate over cross-border collaborations continues, Sardaar Ji 3’s unexpected triumph in Pakistan highlights both the challenges and opportunities for filmmakers navigating the volatile landscape of Indo-Pak relations. While politics may dictate release strategies, the audience’s appetite for compelling storytelling remains unchanged.