Film starring Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan, dubbed as 'Abir Gulaal', set for release in the United Arab Emirates
In the world of international cinema, the anticipated romantic drama Abir Gulaal has found itself embroiled in a political storm, leading to its cancellation in Indian theaters. The film, starring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, was initially scheduled for a release in India on May 9, 2025, but faced backlash and calls for boycott following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military operations[1][2][3].
The diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, prompting a ban on Pakistani artists working in India, which directly impacted the film's theatrical release[1][2]. The producers of Abir Gulaal eventually decided to bypass the Indian market entirely due to the controversy[1].
Despite the controversy, the film's teaser and music had initially received a warm response from Indian audiences before relations soured[1][2]. Vaani Kapoor, who stars opposite Fawad in Abir Gulaal, addressed the negativity at a recent media event, expressing disappointment and frustration about the toxicity and hate surrounding the film[1].
Abir Gulaal revolves around two wounded souls who find solace in each other and their bond grows into love. The film is directed by Aarti S Bagadi and produced by Rakesh Sippy, Firuzi Khan, and Vivek Aggarwal[1].
The UAE is included in the list of countries for the theatrical release of Abir Gulaal, with screenings planned on August 29, 2025[1][2][4][5]. The film could become one of the biggest international markets in the UAE due to the star power of Fawad and Vaani[1].
When not covering entertainment and lifestyle stories, Senior Features Writer Husain Rizvi, who has a profound interest in tech (games) and sports, can be found at the gym or finishing a boss fight in a video game.
[1] The Indian Express, Abir Gulaal: Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor starrer skips Indian theatres, set for global release, May 15, 2025. [2] Hindustan Times, Abir Gulaal: Why Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor starrer is skipping Indian theatres, May 16, 2025. [3] NDTV, Abir Gulaal: Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor starrer skips India release due to diplomatic tensions, May 17, 2025. [4] Gulf News, Abir Gulaal: Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor starrer to release in UAE on August 29, August 1, 2025. [5] Variety, Abir Gulaal: Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor starrer to release in 75 countries, August 10, 2025.
- Despite the cancellation in Indian theaters, the romantic drama Abir Gulaal is set for global release, including in the UAE.
- The film, which revolves around two wounded souls finding solace and love, is scheduled for release in the UAE on August 29, 2025.
- When not covering entertainment and lifestyle stories, Senior Features Writer Husain Rizvi, who has a profound interest in tech games and sports, can be found at the gym or finishing a boss fight in a video game.
- The film, starring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, could become one of the biggest international markets in the UAE due to the star power of Fawad and Vaani.
