Sardaar Ji 3 suffers 40% loss as India release dropped over Hania Aamir’s controversial statement

Controversy continues to surround Sardaar Ji 3, as co-producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu has broken his silence over Pakistani actor Hania Aamir’s controversial comment on Operation Sindoor. The actor had called India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack a “cowardly act,” triggering online backlash and questions over her casting in the film.

The film, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, completed shooting earlier this year and included Hania Aamir in a key role. While fans were surprised by her inclusion, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated soon after the shoot wrapped. When the trailer dropped, Hania remained in the cast, leading to further outrage—especially after the announcement that the film would release overseas, including in Pakistan, but not in India.

In an interview with NDTV, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, also the Managing Director of White Hill Studios, explained the rationale behind the decision to skip an Indian release. “We were deeply hurt by the attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor. The situation changed after we completed filming. We did not want to hurt national sentiments,” he said.

Gunbir acknowledged the financial impact of this decision, estimating a 40% loss in potential revenue. Referencing his earlier success with Jatt & Juliet 3, he noted that the Indian market had contributed ?40 crore to that film’s ?100 crore global earnings. The team, he said, made the choice to stand by their principles, even at a significant cost.

When asked about Hania’s statement, Gunbir did not mince words. “I believe that they should not have made such statements. But I cannot comment more than that. But I would say that those things should not have happened and she hit below the belt,” he said. He also confirmed, “Now we have taken this decision with full strength that we will not work with any Pakistani artist from now on.”

Diljit Dosanjh, who also co-produced the film, addressed the situation during an interview with BBC Asian Network. “Jab yeh film bani thi tab toh situation sab theek tha,” he said, referring to the film’s shoot in February. “Ab situations humaare haath mein hai nahi. Toh bahar release karna chahte hain, toh main unke saath hun.”

The film is now set for an overseas-only release.