Hania Amir’s Sardaar Ji 3 Breaks Records with Biggest Indian Film Opening in Pakistan
The Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Amir, has made history by achieving the biggest opening for any Indian film in Pakistan. Released on June 27, 2025, the film garnered immense popularity and packed cinemas across the country, especially in Punjab, where Punjabi cinema has a strong fanbase. On its very first day, Sardaar Ji 3 earned approximately PKR 3.5 crore, surpassing previous record-holder Salman Khan’s Sultan.
Interestingly, the film did not have a theatrical release in India due to political tensions and objections from certain Indian film industry bodies concerning Hania Amir’s casting. Despite this, the movie’s success in Pakistan was unprecedented, with multiple theaters reporting full houses and high occupancy rates across numerous shows. The enthusiastic response highlights the strong cultural connection and appeal Punjabi films have in Pakistan.
By the second day, Sardaar Ji 3 had amassed significant global earnings, contributing to its worldwide success. The film’s achievement marks it as the third-best opening ever for a Punjabi film globally, despite missing out on the vast Indian market.
The controversy around the film’s release in India was met with divided opinions, with some calling for a boycott, while respected artists and industry figures defended the movie, emphasizing that the investment and revenues were primarily Indian and that creative collaboration should transcend political issues.
While skipping the Indian release resulted in an estimated 40% revenue loss compared to projections, the robust performance in Pakistan and other international markets helped offset the impact. Sardaar Ji 3’s record-breaking opening in Pakistan is a testament to the film’s appeal and the star power of its leads, especially Hania Amir’s rising popularity, further strengthening cross-border cultural ties through cinema.
