Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming film, Sardaarji 3, which was set to release on June 27, has been caught in the crosshairs of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which has requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification for the film for reportedly casting Pakistani actors.
A few days ago, netizens suspected the presence of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the film when Dosanjh shared a series of behind-the-scenes pictures, one of which showed him wearing a T-shirt featuring a partially obscured woman's face, which was assumed to be of Hania. However, when Dosanjh later shared a full picture of him in the same T-shirt on his Instagram story, it was revealed to be of veteran actress Michelle Yeoh ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Everything Everywhere All At Once").
FWICE's move comes in the wake of Indo-Pak tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Two days after the attack, they imposed a “blanket boycott” on the Fawad Khan-starrer Abir Gulaal, which was supposed to be released in theatres on May 9. The film marked the actor’s comeback to the Indian stage after a nine-year hiatus. He had previously faced a similar situation when the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil coincided with the 2016 Uri attack.
Since Sardaarji 3 is also assumed to feature Pakistani artistes Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar and Saleem Albela, the FWICE sent a letter to CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi requesting a denial of certification for the film.
The letter said, "In light of recent directives issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry), prohibiting Pakistani-origin content and collaboration with Pakistani artistes in Indian productions, and the parallel stance adopted by FWICE, we urge CBFC to align with these directives and national interest considerations before proceeding with certification. We appreciate CBFC's impartial and rigorous certification process and trust that you will give due consideration to this request."
It is the second film of Dosanjh to hit by censorship woes after Punjab 95, the real-life account of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Dosanjh won critical acclaim for his last release, the Hindi feature Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali.