The much-anticipated movie Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, will not be allowed to release in India, according to sources from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). The film, directed by Aarti S Bagdi and also starring Vaani Kapoor, was scheduled to hit Indian cinemas on May 9, 2025.
This decision comes in the wake of the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, mostly tourists. The attack is considered the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Khan, who had previously expressed his profound sadness over the tragic event, condemned the attack on his social media platforms, calling it “horrific.”
The controversy surrounding Abir Gulaal is not new. Fawad Khan’s Bollywood return had already been under scrutiny due to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. His last Hindi film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), faced a similar boycott call after the Uri terror attack.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also issued a renewed call for a complete boycott of Pakistani artists, including actors, singers, and technicians, in response to the Pahalgam attack. FWICE said that no Pakistani talent should be involved in any Indian film or entertainment projects, regardless of where they are produced.
