WEB DESK: Amid ongoing political tensions and calls for a boycott in India, the Punjabi-language film Sardaar Ji 3 has achieved a historic opening in Pakistan, becoming the highest first-day grossing Indian film ever released in the country.
Released exclusively in overseas markets—including Pakistan—on June 27, the film reportedly earned around Rs4.5 crore (approximately USD 500,000) on its first day, according to industry sources.Although the film was not released in India due to strained diplomatic relations following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, Sardaar Ji 3 has enjoyed a warm reception in Pakistani cinemas.
The film has surpassed the opening day earnings of Salman Khan’s 2016 blockbuster Sultan, which previously held the record for the highest first-day collection by an Indian film in Pakistan. This success comes amid a shrinking cinema industry in Pakistan, where inflation and a ban on Bollywood movies have led to the closure of many theaters.
Despite these challenges, Sardaar Ji 3—which features Neeru Bajwa and a supernatural storyline—drew large audiences, especially in urban areas of Punjab. The film’s controversy, including debates over Hania Aamir’s casting and political reactions in India, appears to have heightened curiosity among Pakistani viewers.
40% Revenue Decline Due to India Ban
Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu, in an interview with a private Indian news outlet, acknowledged that while the film performed well overseas, the absence of the Indian market has caused an estimated 40% drop in overall revenue.
“Our previous film, Jatt & Juliet 3, earned 40% of its revenue from India. That market is now closed to us,” Sidhu explained. He added that although he supported casting Hania Aamir when relations were normal, he would avoid such decisions in future projects.
Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh told BBC Asian Network that the decision to release Sardaar Ji 3 outside India was made in consultation with producers, who had invested heavily in the film.“The movie was shot in the UK when relations between the two countries were normal,” he stated. “The producers chose to release it abroad to recover costs.”
Overseas Success Despite Challenges
Despite the political controversy, Sardaar Ji 3 has become the third-highest overseas opener for a Punjabi film—trailing only Jatt & Juliet 3 and Carry On Jatta. Industry experts note that both of those films were released mid-week, whereas Sardaar Ji 3 launched on a Friday, typically resulting in higher box office figures.The film’s strong performance in Pakistan not only demonstrates the continued demand for Indian-Punjabi cinema despite geopolitical issues but also highlights the hurdles filmmakers face when navigating cross-border collaborations.
