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Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s Abir Gulaal Will Not Release in India
Updated on: 24 April, 2025 04:08 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor in Abir Gulaal
The upcoming Bollywood film `Abir Gulaal`, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan alongside Vaani Kapoor, has hit a major roadblock. Sources within the Centre`s Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry have confirmed the movie will not be permitted to release in India. This decision follows intense nationwide outrage sparked by the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
This opposition intensified dramatically after the devastating Pahalgam attack, where terrorists killed 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri. Sources indicate that numerous cinema halls were hesitant to screen `Abir Gulaal`, and several entertainment bodies pushed for its boycott, culminating in the I&B Ministry`s decision to deny its release.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a major body representing over five lakh film workers, reiterated its stance against collaboration with Pakistani artists. This directive was first issued after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.
Following the Pahalgam incident, FWICE issued a strong statement: "Despite the ongoing directive, we`ve been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film `Abir Gulaal`. In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists..."
The organisation warned its members against any cooperation with Pakistani personnel, stating such actions "will be subject to disciplinary action". They explicitly added, "Further, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that `Abir Gulaal` is not released in India." This sentiment echoed online as #boycottAbirGulaal began trending.
Also Read: Netizens Demand Boycott of Fawad Khan’s “Abir Gulaal” Amidst J&K Terror Attacks
This isn`t the first time geopolitical tensions have impacted Pakistani artists in Bollywood. After the 2016 Uri attack, similar bans were imposed. Fawad Khan himself faced backlash during the release of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", and Mahira Khan`s presence in Shah Rukh Khan`s "Raees" also caused significant controversy. The current situation with `Abir Gulaal` underscores the sensitive intersection of art, politics, and national sentiment in India-Pakistan relations.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap’s and Imtiaz Ali’s daughters Visited Pahalgam Before The Attack
Rising Tensions and Political Pressure
The film, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Vivek B. Agrawal, was initially slated for a May 9th release. However, it faced opposition even before the recent tragedy. Earlier this month, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) voiced strong objections, citing strained relations between India and Pakistan. MNS leader Ameya Khopkar stated, "We have been protesting against this film, against Pakistani artists and Pakistani films. And we will continue to do so... I challenge you to release it."This opposition intensified dramatically after the devastating Pahalgam attack, where terrorists killed 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri. Sources indicate that numerous cinema halls were hesitant to screen `Abir Gulaal`, and several entertainment bodies pushed for its boycott, culminating in the I&B Ministry`s decision to deny its release.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a major body representing over five lakh film workers, reiterated its stance against collaboration with Pakistani artists. This directive was first issued after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.
Following the Pahalgam incident, FWICE issued a strong statement: "Despite the ongoing directive, we`ve been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film `Abir Gulaal`. In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists..."
The organisation warned its members against any cooperation with Pakistani personnel, stating such actions "will be subject to disciplinary action". They explicitly added, "Further, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that `Abir Gulaal` is not released in India." This sentiment echoed online as #boycottAbirGulaal began trending.
Also Read: Netizens Demand Boycott of Fawad Khan’s “Abir Gulaal” Amidst J&K Terror Attacks
Actor`s Response and Historical Context
Amidst the controversy, Fawad Khan expressed his sorrow over the attack. On Instagram, he wrote, "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims..."This isn`t the first time geopolitical tensions have impacted Pakistani artists in Bollywood. After the 2016 Uri attack, similar bans were imposed. Fawad Khan himself faced backlash during the release of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", and Mahira Khan`s presence in Shah Rukh Khan`s "Raees" also caused significant controversy. The current situation with `Abir Gulaal` underscores the sensitive intersection of art, politics, and national sentiment in India-Pakistan relations.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap’s and Imtiaz Ali’s daughters Visited Pahalgam Before The Attack
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