Hania Aamir has made a powerful cinematic debut in Punjabi cinema, as her first cross-border collaboration, Sardaar Ji 3, has opened to packed theatres across Pakistan. The horror-comedy, starring Indian sensation Diljit Dosanjh, launched globally on June 27, but was not released in India due to political restrictions.

Despite calls for boycotts and backlash surrounding her casting, Pakistani audiences turned out in large numbers to support Aamir, transforming the film’s opening weekend into a commercial triumph in her home country. Fans rushed to see the dynamic on-screen pairing of Aamir and Dosanjh, whose prior stage chemistry during a London concert had sparked excitement months earlier.

A Historic Release Amid Political Backdrop

Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 also stars Neeru Bajwa, Jasmin Bajwa, and Bollywood veteran Gulshan Grover. The film blends horror with comedy and is the third installment in the popular Sardaar Ji franchise. It was produced overseas, primarily in the U.K., as Indian production houses distanced themselves due to the Film Federation of Western Indian Cinema’s renewed ban on Pakistani artists.

This ban came in response to the Pahalgam terror incident in April, which heightened political sensitivities and effectively barred Pakistani actors from participating in Indian film projects.

Pakistani Cinemas Welcome the Film Enthusiastically

With no theatrical release in India, Pakistan became one of the key markets for Sardaar Ji 3. The film opened housefull in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Critics have praised Aamir’s seamless entry into Punjabi cinema and highlighted her strong screen presence alongside Dosanjh.

The success of Sardaar Ji 3 in Pakistan may mark a turning point for future cross-border projects, especially as filmmakers increasingly seek global audiences beyond South Asian political constraints.