Indian Broadcasting Ministry Sources Confirm: Release of Pakistani Actor Fawad Khan's Film 'Abir Gulaal' Cancelled in India
Boycotting Love and Action: The Controversy Surrounding Fawad Khan's Upcoming Film, Abir Gulaal
The romantic drama, Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistan's beloved Fawad Khan and India's stunning Vaani Kapoor, has turned heads due to circumstances far from the film's love-filled narrative. The chilling Pahalgam terror attack that left at least 26 souls lifeless and many injured serves as the grim backdrop for the boycott calls plaguing this highly anticipated film.
Initially scheduled for release on May 9, 2025, Abir Gulaal has become a contentious topic, with social media users advocating intensely for a boycott under the trending hashtag #BoycottAbirGulaal. In response, Indian authorities have decided not to screen the movie due to the gruesome incident in the valley, as stated by sources in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India.
The movie's director, Aarti S. Bagdi, and producers, Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy, haven't been spared from the consequences of a cross-border collaboration. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has declared a comprehensive boycott on all Pakistani artists, meaning Abir Gulaal is unlikely to see the light of day in India[1][3][5]. The public and exhibitors have echoed the boycott calls, revealing a growing disinterest in engaging with any Pakistani movie[1].
The controversy surrounding Abir Gulaal isn't Fawad Khan's first taste of Bollywood's political climate. In 2016, he was caught in the crossfire following the Uri terror attack, resulting in Pakistani artists being banned from the Indian film and music industry[1]. Abir Gulaal's official trailer, which showcases love and flirting galore, seems to be another casualty of the ongoing tension. Songs from the film have mysteriously vanished from YouTube, adding fuel to the fire[2].
However, Fawad Khan and his co-star, Vaani Kapoor, have publicly condemned the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on their social media platforms, expressing shock and grief[1][4]. The Indian film fraternity has also united in condemnation, with stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Anupam Kher, Alia Bhatt and many others sharing their horror over the devastating event[1].
In the face of adversity, the pair continues to promote Abir Gulaal, with Fawad Khan making his Bollywood debut with Khoobsurat, starring alongside Sonam Kapoor. He also shared the screen with Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra in the 2016 family drama Kapoor & Sons, directed by Shakun Batra. Fawad's last major Bollywood film was Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma[1].
The Pahalgam terror attack has stirred up a repugnant wave of calls to boycott Pakistani artists and their films, with Abir Gulaal bearing the brunt initially. Only time will tell if the placement of love and laughter in this upcoming romantic comedy will be strong enough to sway the tide of controversy surrounding Fawad Khan and his film.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/india/fwice-boycott-pakistani-artist-fawad-khans-upcoming-indian-film-2021-05-27/[2] https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/abir-gulaal-song-amrapali- gem-from-fawad-khan-vaani-kaapoor-starrer-withdrawn-from-youtube-101653773029222.html[3] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/boycott-abir-gulaal-boycott-calls-grow-loud-against-film-starring-pakistani-actor-fawad-khan-2794904[4] https://www.india.com/movies/bollywood/fawad-khan-takes-to-instagram-to-condemn-pahalgam-terror-attack-3584160/[5] https://indianexpress.com/entertainment/movies/abir-gulaal-boycott-calls-on-fawad-khan-film-7864026/[Enrichment Insights: 1. The FWICE has strongly advocated for a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists in the film and entertainment industry. 2. Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor have expressed their outrage over the Pahalgam terror attack on their social media platforms. 3. Songs from Abir Gulaal have been removed from YouTube as part of the boycott campaign. 4. Abir Gulaal is unlikely to be screened in India, as authorities have decided not to release the film in response to the attacks.]
- The upcoming romantic drama, Abir Gulaal, featuring actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, has encountered controversy due to the Pahalgam terror attack, hindering its release in India.
- Social media users have advocated for a boycott of Abir Gulaal, using the hashtag #BoycottAbirGulaal, and Indian authorities have decided not to screen the movie as a result of the valley's tragedy.
- In addition to Abir Gulaal, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has enforced a comprehensive boycott on all Pakistani artists, reducing the chances of the movie's success in India.
- Despite the boycott, Fawad Khan has continued promoting Abir Gulaal, having previously starred in other Bollywood films such as Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
- The Pahalgam terror attack has prompted a wave of calls on social media to boycott Pakistani artists, with Abir Gulaal being the initial target of this backlash.
- In response to the attack, both Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor have publicly condemned the tragedy on their social media platforms, expressing their shock and grief.
- As the general news cycle continues, it remains to be seen whether the love and laughter portrayed in Abir Gulaal will be sufficient to navigate the controversy surrounding Fawad Khan and his film.
