Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal to release worldwide, excluding India

WEB DESK: The controversial film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor, which was shelved due to the Pakistan and India tensions after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, is set for a worldwide release but will not hit cinemas in India.

According to Biz Asia, Abir Gulaal is all set to premiere worldwide on August 29. But due to the ban on Pakistani artists and heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad have barred the film’s release across the border.

Initially slated for May 9, the project was shelved indefinitely after the Pahalgam attack and India’s Operation Sindoor earlier this year.

Indian film bodies had warned that any collaboration with Pakistani talent would lead to strict consequences.

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The film, shot entirely in the UK to avoid controversy, was intended to mark Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016.

Before the political fallout, the film’s teaser and soundtrack had received a warm response in India. However, sentiments shifted dramatically after the Pahalgam incident, with calls to boycott the movie gaining momentum.

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FAWAD KHAN’S REACTION

The Pakistani actor penned a note post India’s Operation Sindoor that read- “My deepest condolences to the families of those injured and killed in this shameful attack. I pray for the souls of the deceased and strength for their loved ones in the days to come.”

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Khan added, “A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It is not worth the lives of innocent people. May better sense prevail. InshaAllah. Pakistan Zindabad!”

VAANI KAPOOR ON ABIR GULAAL CONTROVERSY

Following the ban of Abir Gulaal in India, Vaani Kapoor faced heavy backlash, with many calling for her to be “cancelled” and “boycotted.” Addressing the criticism at a recent event, the actress said, “There’s so much toxicity and hate these days. I keep hearing, ‘boycott this person, cancel that person.’ Don’t do this, yaar. Have some space and let people be.”

Kapoor, meanwhile, addressed the backlash at a recent event, urging audiences to move away from “toxicity and cancel culture.” She said, “Let people be.”