🧩 1. The Cryptic Instagram Story
Diljit reshared an Instagram story that read “Censored before release?”, fueling speculation. He appears to refer back to Punjab 95, his biopic on activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, which faced heavy censorship—reportedly 120+ cuts—from the Censor Board .
---
2. Casting of Hania Aamir & Backlash
The trailer for Sardaar Ji 3, released internationally, includes Pakistani actress Hania Aamir .
This move coincides with a renewed ban on Pakistani artists in Indian cinema following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor .
Social media erupted with strong criticism, calling the casting “insensitive” during heightened India‑Pakistan tensions .
---
3. Film Skips India Release
Film bodies like FWICE urged the CBFC to block Sardaar Ji 3 in India due to its Pakistani cast .
As a result, it will only release overseas on June 27, with all Indian screenings cancelled .
---
4. Diljit Speaks Up
In a BBC Asian Network interview, Diljit clarified:
The film was shot in February, before tensions escalated .
Producers decided early that Indian release wouldn’t happen given the post‑shoot situation, but they’re still pushing ahead with overseas distribution to recoup their investment .
He also praised Hania Aamir’s professionalism, saying they maintained a strictly work‑focused dynamic .
---
5. What the Post Means
The term “Censored before release?” seems more symbolic than literal this time—Diljit is drawing a parallel between the earlier struggles of Punjab 95 and the modern hurdle of backlash around Sardaar Ji 3 .
Reddit users are reading it as a statement: that Diljit intentionally cast Hania as a pushback against both government censorship and industry pressures .
---
6. Fan & Industry Response
Thousands of fans and netizens are debating Diljit’s move—some accuse him of crossing a line; others applaud his stance on artistic freedom .
Notable voices include B Praak, whose private comments fueled speculation about dilution of national priorities .
---
Summary
Diljit’s “Censored before release?” post is a layered response: a nod to past censorship battles and a critique of current restrictions on artistic expression involving cross-border talent. With Sardaar Ji 3 now going overseas-only and an intense backlash raging in India, Diljit is standing by both his creative choices and his co-star, asserting that the projec
t was conceived and produced in a different context.
No comments:
Post a Comment