Punjabi film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, featuring popular actor Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has shattered box office records in Pakistan. Released internationally on June 27, the film earned approximately PKR 9 crore (around $500,000) during its opening weekend, surpassing previous records set by Bollywood productions.
The film’s release in Pakistan marked a significant milestone, as it quickly became the highest-grossing Indian film in the country over a three-day period. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, which have often impacted cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Controversy and Release Strategy
The casting of Hania Aamir, a Pakistani actress, in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ sparked controversy in India, where the film was not released. The decision to exclude the Indian market was influenced by the strained relations between the two countries, which have affected various sectors, including entertainment.
Despite these challenges, the film’s international release strategy paid off, with Pakistani audiences flocking to theaters to watch the much-anticipated movie. The film’s success underscores the enduring appeal of cross-border collaborations in cinema, even amidst geopolitical tensions.
Record-Breaking Performance
Nadeem Mandviwalla, a leading exhibitor and distributor who owns a multiplex in Karachi, confirmed the film’s exceptional performance. “I think this is the best opening ever for any Indian or Pakistani film in our theatres,” Mandviwalla stated, highlighting the film’s remarkable achievement.
“The movie had already raked in around PKR 9 crore in its opening weekend,” Mandviwalla noted, emphasizing the film’s unprecedented success.
Dosanjh, who stars alongside Canadian Indian actor Neeru Bajwa, shared clips on social media showcasing the enthusiastic response from Pakistani audiences. The film’s popularity is a testament to Dosanjh’s star power and the film’s engaging storyline.
Impact on the Pakistani Entertainment Industry
The success of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ has provided a much-needed boost to the Pakistani entertainment industry, particularly for cinema owners who have faced challenges in recent years. The film’s performance is a positive indicator for the industry, demonstrating that audiences are eager to return to theaters for quality films.
Mandviwalla expressed optimism about the film’s impact, stating, “I think despite the high ticket rates and the weather, the audience has come out because of the summer holidays and because Pakistani people still want to watch quality films on the big screen.”
Looking Ahead
The success of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ could pave the way for future collaborations between Indian and Pakistani artists, highlighting the potential for cinema to bridge cultural divides. As the film continues to perform well at the box office, industry experts are hopeful that this success will encourage more filmmakers to explore cross-border projects.
With its record-breaking debut, ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ has set a new benchmark for Indian films in Pakistan, demonstrating the power of cinema to transcend borders and bring audiences together, even in challenging times.
