Sardaar Ji 3 box office collection is making headlines as Diljit Dosanjh’s much-awaited horror-comedy creates waves across borders, though not in the way many anticipated. Due to controversy, the third film in the Sardaar Ji franchise, which released globally on June 27, 2025, did not hit Indian theaters. However, it has achieved roaring success in Pakistan, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film in the country’s box office history.
With a record-breaking opening day haul, the movie has captured massive attention in Pakistan despite political unrest and boycott calls in India. Preliminary estimates reveal that Sardaar Ji 3 box office collection reached around Rs 4.5 crore on its opening day in Pakistan alone. This not only shattered previous records but also surpassed Salman Khan’s 2016 blockbuster Sultan, which previously held the record for the biggest first-day gross for an Indian film in the country.
A Stellar Cast and Controversial Release
The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, whose inclusion led to outrage among Indian fans. Although the franchise enjoys strong roots in India’s Punjab region, the decision to cast a Pakistani actress—especially after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack—ignited widespread backlash. As a result, the film was not released in India.
Nevertheless, the film’s reception in Pakistan has been overwhelmingly positive. Viewers in urban centers across Punjab, such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, have responded enthusiastically. Sardaar Ji 3 has shown that despite rising inflation, declining theater attendance, and other factors, Punjabi-language film still retains a significant hold on viewers in the area and a long-standing prohibition on Bollywood films.
A Franchise With a History of Success
To understand the buzz around Sardaar Ji 3, one must look back at its legacy. The 2015 release of the first Sardaar Ji was a huge hit, breaking several box office records. Following it was Sardaar Ji 2, which did well and reportedly grossed over Rs 24 crore in 2016. The current installment takes the franchise a step further. Though exact global numbers are yet to be verified, the film already stands as one of the most successful Punjabi-language films ever in overseas markets. It also marks the third-best global opening for a Punjabi film, behind only Carry On Jatta and Jatt & Juliet 3.
Diljit’s Star Power Shines Bright
Diljit Dosanjh continues to be one of the most bankable stars in Punjabi cinema. His massive fan base stretches across India, Canada, the UK, and now Pakistan. His presence alone guarantees interest and box office numbers. However, this time, his association with Pakistani co-star Hania Aamir stirred controversy.
Indian fans expressed outrage, calling the move “shameful,” particularly given the film’s absence from Indian theaters. Many accused the producers of prioritizing profits over patriotism. Social media erupted with hashtags like #BoycottSardaarJi3 and #ShamefulMove.
Even so, Diljit’s charisma and the film’s unique blend of horror and comedy have clicked well with audiences in Pakistan. The film’s narrative offers a supernatural twist, something rarely seen in Punjabi-language films, which adds to its novelty.
Record-Breaking in Pakistan
According to a Gulf News report, Sardaar Ji 3 has officially become the highest-grossing Punjabi-language film in Pakistan, eclipsing not only Bollywood hits but also local productions. The popularity of the picture is remarkable, even though Pakistan’s film exhibition industry is failing and many cinemas have closed in recent years.
Its popularity has led to comparisons to the titans of Bollywood. Sardaar Ji 3 broke Sultan’s first-day box office records. Sultan starred Salman Khan, one of Pakistan’s most adored Indian stars. This feat highlights the film’s impact across the border.
The Economics Behind the Success
Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu, in an interview with NDTV, disclosed some striking figures. About 40% of the entire revenue for his most recent production, Jatt & Juliet 3, came from the Indian market, with the remaining portion coming from sales abroad. Additionally, Jatt & Juliet 3 became the first Punjabi movie to earn over Rs 100 crore worldwide.
However, the team has suffered greatly in the case of Sardaar Ji 3 due to the absence of an Indian release. Sidhu calculates that the film’s absence in India will result in a 40% loss in income. He also publicly stated that he will no longer collaborate with Pakistani artists, a move likely aimed at appeasing outraged Indian audiences.
Still, despite these challenges, the film’s overseas performance, especially in Pakistan, has offset a portion of the projected losses. Sardaar Ji 3 might become the largest foreign hit for a Punjabi-language movie if weekend patterns continue.
Why the Film Worked in Pakistan
The success in Pakistan isn’t entirely surprising. Punjabi films and TV shows have always had a strong audience base in the region. The language, cultural themes, and humor resonate with viewers, especially in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
Moreover, the curiosity factor played a role. The media buzz around Hania Aamir’s casting and the controversy surrounding the film’s Indian boycott led to increased attention. Audiences flocked to theaters not just for the content, but also to see what the fuss was about.
Future Implications for Cross-Border Cinema
While Sardaar Ji 3 is a hit in Pakistan, its controversy has raised serious questions about the future of cross-border artistic collaboration. The political climate continues to influence cinema, restricting the scope for shared storytelling.
The industry’s cautious approach is shown in Gunbir Singh Sidhu’s decision to refrain from collaborating with Pakistani actors going forward. It also signals a shift in how producers may navigate creative partnerships in an increasingly polarized environment.
At the same time, the film’s triumph in Pakistan shows that art continues to transcend borders, even if it does so quietly and selectively. The audience has shown that they care more about content than controversy.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Sardaar Ji 3 box office collection has turned a politically charged release into an unexpected success story in Pakistan. Despite missing out on India’s vast Punjabi-speaking audience, the film gained remarkable traction overseas. It has broken records, ignited conversations, and highlighted the unpredictable reach of cinema in a divided yet interconnected world.
Though its release journey was anything but typical, Sardaar Ji 3 box office collection now holds a historic milestone—becoming the highest-grossing Indian film in Pakistan, an achievement that is both celebrated and debated.
