Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh’s Punjabi comedy ‘Sardaarji 3’ was set to release on June 27, but now, the film has landed in controversy. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has raised objections, requesting the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification to the film. The objection followed speculations that the film would feature Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela.

The row began after several reports suggested at the beginning of the year that Dosanjh had got Aamir to play an important role in ‘Sardaarji 3’. The speculations were further fuelled by a behind-the-scenes photo posted by Dosanjh. The picture featured him wearing a T-shirt showing a woman’s face partially visible. Many assumed it was Aamir’s image, but Dosanjh later clarified by posting a full photo of the T-shirt, featuring veteran actor Michelle Yeoh.

Despite the clarification, FWICE has stuck to its stand. They call it a matter of national importance. In a letter written to CBFC, the film body mentioned that recent government advisory, asking filmmakers not to work with Pakistani artistes.

In a letter to CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi, FWICE 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 (sic).”

This isn’t the first time FWICE has stepped in. Just days after the Pahalgam terror attack in April, they enforced a blanket boycott on ‘Abir Gulaal’, a Hindi film marking Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinema after nine years. The film, also starring Vaani Kapoor, was slated to release on May 9.

‘Sardaarji 3’ is the second Dosanjh film to face such scrutiny. His earlier project, ‘Punjab 95‘ – based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, also faced roadblocks in certification.

Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh is still getting appreciation for his strong performance in ‘Amar Singh Chamkila‘, a film directed by Imtiaz Ali that released last year.