Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor’s film, ‘Abir Gulaal’, a Hindi-language romantic comedy scheduled for theatrical release on May 9, 2025, has been banned in India. This classic Bollywood romantic drama focuses on a love story that highlights the chemistry between Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor. In the teaser, both are seen in a car during the rainy season, sharing a romantic moment that sets the film’s mood and romance.
The film explores the romantic chemistry and emotional depth between the characters played by Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor. It aims to revive love stories rarely seen in today’s Bollywood. The film focuses on love, relationships, and the complexities of emotions, depicting the ups and downs and struggles between the two leads. Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Vivek Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy, the film was shot in London and features artists from both India and the UK.
However, after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, in which 26 people were massacred, the film’s release was banned in India. The main reason for the ban is Fawad Khan’s lead role. Following the Pahalgam attack, there was a surge of opposition and anger towards Pakistani artists in India. Organizations like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the All-India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) demanded a ban on the film.
MNS’s cinema wing president, Ameya Khopkar, stated that they would not allow the release of the film in Maharashtra under any circumstances because it stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. He clarified that after learning about the film’s release, MNS warned the makers that any attempt to bring Pakistani artists to India would be strongly opposed.
AICWA wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and the CBFC, stating: “Releasing a film with a Pakistani actor at such a time is not art, but an insult to our martyrs, national pride, and a blow to India’s collective conscience. If Pakistan bans Indian films, why should Pakistani artists be promoted on Indian screens? AICWA appeals to every member of the Indian film industry not to support or collaborate with Pakistani artists in the future. When our soldiers are martyred, it is better to remain silent than to show sympathy for the enemy.”
AICWA called on the industry not to support any project involving Pakistani artists, deeming it against the honour of the nation and its martyrs.
After a nine-year gap, Fawad Khan was supposed to return to Indian cinema with this film. His last Bollywood movie was ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, released in 2016. Following the Uri attack on September 18, 2016, Pakistani artists were banned from working in India, which led to Fawad leaving the industry and halting his Bollywood career.
The ban on the film’s release has disappointed its team and fans, reigniting debates about India-Pakistan cultural relations and the presence of Pakistani artists in Bollywood.
Following India, Pakistan also banned the film, citing Vaani Kapoor’s lead role as the main reason.
Vaani Kapoor deleted all posts and photos related to the film from her Instagram profile. Fawad Khan did not make a direct statement on the ban.
