Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's film, Abir Gulaal, is slated for a global theatrical release on August 29, but will likely skip its release in India. The film, which has faced delays and controversy, will be released under the title Aabeer Gulaal.
Abir Gulaal was initially scheduled to premiere on May 9, 2025. However, the theatrical release in India was deemed impossible after the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Following the attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced a ban on Pakistani artists, stating they would ensure that Abir Gulaal would not be released in India. The film's producers have decided to bypass a theatrical release in India due to ongoing diplomatic tensions, further strained by India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
Abir Gulaal marks Fawad Khan's return to Bollywood after his last appearance in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Kapoor & Sons in 2016. The romantic drama, directed by Aarti S Bagadi, was filmed entirely in the UK to avoid potential controversies. The film's teaser and songs had previously garnered a positive response from Indian audiences, and Fawad's fans were anticipating his comeback.
Vaani Kapoor addressed the criticism she faced for her involvement in the project, stating, "There's so much toxicity and hate... I keep hearing 'boycott this one, cancel that one.' Mat karo yaar (don't do this), have room and let people be". Ridhi Dogra, another actor in the film, defended her decision to be a part of Abir Gulaal, saying, “When I signed and shot for the film, relations between the countries were stable. I followed all the laws. Today, I stand by my country and our armed forces, but don't bully me for something that was legal then".
Fawad Khan also commented on the situation, expressing condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and requesting restraint in inflammatory rhetoric.
Industry insiders believe that the prevailing backlash against Pakistani artists makes an official release in the Indian market unlikely. The global release on August 29 will proceed without an Indian premiere.
