Imran Abbas criticises release of Hania Aamir’s 'Sardaar Ji 3' in Pakistan on first day of Muharram

Actor Imran Abbas criticised the release of the Indian Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3 in Pakistan on the first day of Muharram, stating that this is the first time a film has been screened in the country on a day that marks the beginning of a month of mourning in the Islamic calendar.

The trailer of the movie was released on June 22, with Hania Aamir featured prominently, and the film had its international release on June 27. It was simultaneously released in Pakistani cinemas, while India imposed a ban on the film, preventing its local screening.

While many Pakistani celebrities publicly supported the film and encouraged people to watch it in cinemas, Imran Abbas stood apart, voicing strong disapproval of its release date.

The Creature 3D actor, who previously starred alongside Bipasha Basu in Bollywood, shared a post on Facebook, saying, “I have never experienced movies being released on the 1st of Muharram before in Pakistan. It’s not a matter of Shia or Sunni, but certain dates and months hold significance for us as Muslim. I can still recall when PTV used to have music free transmissions. Now we witness dance and music shows even on the 9th of Muharram.”

Read: Hania Aamir and Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 gets greenlight for release in Pakistan

Imran Abbas expressed concern over the casual treatment of sacred Islamic days, stating people no longer realiae the sanctity of Muharram and instead treat the 9th and 10th as mere holidays for vacations.

He implored people to uphold the sanctity of these Islamic months.

"I urge all of us to respect the sanctity of Rabi-ul-Awwal, Ramadan, and Muharram, and recognise the importance of these religious dates regardless of our background as Muslims."

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Regarding Sardaar Ji 3, Imran stated he doesn't fault the cast, understanding they merely performed their professional duties. 

Nevertheless, he asserted that authorities could have postponed the film's release, adding, "It's surely set to be a blockbuster so a slightly postponed date would not have made much difference."