Diljit Dosanjh’s Latest Film Faces Controversy in India

• Diljit Dosanjh is a major Asian celebrity with a global following.
• Sardaar Ji 3 achieved great international box office success despite a ban in India.
• The film was blocked primarily due to the Pakistani nationality of co-star Hania Aamir.
• Filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap criticize censorship as a threat to artistic expression.
• Censorship has hindered the release of other films like Panjab ’95, raising concerns for filmmakers.

Diljit Dosanjh’s Stardom Overshadowed by Politics

Diljit Dosanjh has risen to be one of the most recognized Asian figures globally, leaving many inquiring why his latest project hasn’t hit Indian theaters. With a notable rank as the top Asian celebrity in the UK and a successful world tour under his belt, Dosanjh’s recent appearance at the Met Gala certainly solidified his status. Yet, his latest film, Sardaar Ji 3, has found itself shrouded in controversy—dampening the expectations of Indian fans eager for its release.

Cultural Issues Hinder Film’s Indian Release

The horror-comedy made its international debut on June 27, achieving impressive financial success with 336 million rupees (£2.9 million) overseas, a remarkable feat for a film outside the Hindi cinema realm. Despite these impressive figures, the film’s release has been stalled in India, primarily due to the presence of co-star Hania Aamir, a Pakistani actress. After a militant attack in Kashmir on April 22 reignited tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian government mandated the removal of content originating from Pakistan, affecting the film’s release.

Experts Weigh In on Censorship and Politics

Critics assert that had it been marketed in India, Sardaar Ji 3 could have generated significant additional revenue, especially considering Dosanjh’s strong fanbase. Film producer Girish Johar argued that the film’s earnings might have doubled with an Indian debut. Anurag Kashyap, a prominent filmmaker and free speech advocate, contends that the backlash against Aamir has more to do with ideology than ethnic origins. He pointed out that emotional appeals to patriotism are often used to stifle alternative narratives, leaving artists in a chokehold of fear regarding their work.

Impact of Censorship on Artistic Expression

While controversies have often backfired in unexpected ways, Asim Nawaz Abbasi, editor at a Pakistani youth newspaper, believes that the film’s ban might only increase its appeal in Pakistan. Dosanjh continues to thrive despite the censorship, actively celebrating the film’s success by sharing an Instagram video showing the enthusiastic reception it received from Pakistani viewers. In a similar vein, his other project Panjab ’95, a biopic about human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, faces its own hurdles; its release has been mired in censorship struggles since 2022, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) requesting numerous cuts and revisions to the film’s sensitive content. It’s a situation that highlights just how challenging it is to address politically charged themes in Indian cinema.

Censorship: A Frustrating Battle for Filmmakers

Censorship in India is more than just a hurdle; it seems designed to exhaust filmmakers into submission. Director Honey Trehan’s attempts to secure a release for Panjab ’95 have been met with extensive requests for cuts, resulting in 127 proposed changes, including altering character names and omitting key references. This relentless effort to shape the film has ultimately diminished its chance for a release. Trehan’s experience echoes Kashyap’s assertion that the censorship board aims to discourage filmmakers from exploring narratives that diverge from mainstream ideologies, creating a landscape where genuine storytelling is compromised.

Diljit Dosanjh’s star power is unfortunately marred by cultural and political barriers, preventing Indian audiences from accessing his latest film, Sardaar Ji 3. The ongoing struggles with censorship in Indian cinema symbolize a broader issue—one where artists are at risk of losing their creative voice to bureaucratic interference. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the film only seems to heighten its allure for audiences, particularly in Pakistan, showcasing the paradox at play in modern film industry dynamics.