Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor starrer Abir Gulaal, which was supposed to hit the screens on May 9, 2025, has been facing criticism and boycott calls, following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed at least 26 people.
As per a report in PTI, Abir Gulaal won't be allowed to release in India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, government sources said on Thursday, April 24.
According to sources in the Information and Broadcasting ministry, several cinema halls were not ready to screen Fawad Khan-Vanni Kapoor starrer and many entertainment organisations had also demanded its boycott. The ministry has now decided to deny permission to Abir Gulaal's release in India.
After the teaser was released, Abir Gulaal faced a boycott call and many demanded a ban.
Fawad and Vaani even faced backlash after they participated in film라이브 바카라 promotion for a song launch in Dubai, on April 20. The backlash got intensified post the Pahalgam terror attack and now the film has been caught in the political crossfire.
As per reports, two songs from the film — Khudaya Ishq, and Angrezi Rangrasiya, — have been removed from YouTube India.
Earlier, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) called for a blanket ban on all Pakistani artistes. In a statement, the film body assured that they will take necessary steps to ensure that Abir Gulaal is not released in India.
Earlier this month, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also warned that the film will not be allowed to release in India. Party leader Ameya Khopkar said, "We have been protesting against this film, against Pakistani artists and Pakistani films. And we will continue to do so. No film will be released here featuring Pakistani artists. And there is no need to release it. I just want to say, show the courage to release it. I challenge you to release it."
Despite the backlash and boycott calls, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor condemned the brutal Pahalgam tourist attack. Khan is ''deeply saddened'' to hear the news of the ''heinous attack'' in Pahalgam. ''Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time,'' he wrote on Instagram.
Kapoor, expressing her grief, wrote, “Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the family.”
Abir Gulaal has been produced by Vivek B Agrawal and directed by Aarti S Bagdi.
