New Delhi: In a significant development, the Indian government has decided not to allow the release of Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s much-anticipated film Abir Gulal, which was scheduled to release on May 9. The decision comes in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists and left several others injured.
According to India Today sources, the film, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, has faced strong public opposition, primarily due to the involvement of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian public’s anger has grown over the continued collaboration between the Indian film industry and Pakistani artists. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls to boycott the film and question the moral implications of working with actors from Pakistan, especially amid heightened national sentiment following the tragic incident.
Abir Gulal, a romantic drama, had already faced backlash after its teaser was released. The growing outrage intensified following the promotional event for the film’s song launch, held on April 20 in Dubai, where both Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor appeared. The public’s reaction has been particularly negative, with many expressing their displeasure on social media over the presence of a Pakistani actor in an Indian production.
While the Bombay High Court had previously dismissed a petition in 2023 that sought a complete ban on Pakistani artists working in India, the issue remains contentious. Several political parties and film associations have voiced their opposition to such collaborations, further fueling the controversy.
Despite the court ruling, the government’s decision to block the release of Abir Gulal signals the growing impact of national security concerns and public sentiment on entertainment projects, especially in light of the ongoing tensions in the region.
