Fawad Khan’s much-awaited return to Bollywood has come to a screeching halt as his upcoming romantic drama Abir Gulaal faces bans in both India and Pakistan.
The movie, which was slated for a May 9 release, has now become a casualty of renewed diplomatic hostilities following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, last week that left 26 tourists dead.
The Indian government has reportedly blocked the film’s release, citing national security concerns and the ongoing diplomatic fallout from the attack.
“The timing of this release is sensitive, and featuring a Pakistani actor just days after an attack has raised serious objections,” a government source told The Indian Express.
The ban marks the second time in Fawad’s career that his work has become entangled in Indo-Pak tensions, reported India Today.
In 2016, following the terrorist attack on an Indian Army brigade headquarters near the town of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, he and other Pakistani artistes were barred from Indian cinema.
His previous films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Khoobsurat and Kapoor & Sons were popular with Indian audiences, but the ban effectively ended his Bollywood career – until now.
Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S and produced by Vivek B. Agrawal, stars Fawad opposite Indian actress Vaani Kapoor.
The story is a romantic tale of healing and connection, supported by a stellar cast including Soni Razdan, Lisa Haydon, Ridhi Dogra and Farida Jalal.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) – the industry’s powerful workers’ union – took a strong stance against the film, issuing a renewed directive of “complete non-cooperation” with Pakistani talent.
“The attack in Pahalgam compels us to once again reinforce our boycott of Pakistani artistes. National interest must come first,” read its statement.
Adding fuel to the fire, Fawad’s social media post condemning the Pahalgam attack failed to sway public or political opinion. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims,” he had written.
Vaani also expressed her sorrow: “Gutted. Devastated.”
In a retaliatory move, Pakistani authorities have also banned the film, citing the involvement of Indian actress Vaani, reported Siasat.com.
Senior Pakistani distributor Satish Anand confirmed: “Abir Gulaal will not be released here either. The climate isn’t right, and Vaani Kapoor’s role only complicates matters.”
With both countries banning the film, the makers now face substantial financial loss. Industry insiders say the movie’s future hangs in the balance.
“It’s a tragic irony,” said a film trade analyst. “A movie meant to celebrate love and unity is now symbolic of division.”
The film’s ban comes amid a wave of punitive measures from India in response to the Pahalgam massacre.
These include suspending the Indus Water Treaty, freezing visa arrangements and tightening borders.
The CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) also reportedly declined to clear the film, calling it “amateurish” and “confusing”, citing concerns that it “encourages public revolt”.
This isn’t the first time Fawad’s films have faced hurdles.
His 2022 Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt also failed to get an Indian release due to objections from right-wing groups.
Likewise, Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil faced threats from political outfits during its release.
The row has reignited the debate over whether Pakistani artists should be allowed to work in India.
Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar weighed in with a nuanced take.
Speaking to the Press Trust of India, he remarked: “There are two sides to this. It’s true that we’ve always welcomed Pakistani artistes warmly but it’s never been reciprocated. Why did Lata Mangeshkar never perform in Pakistan despite being beloved there? The blockade seems systemic.”
Akhtar added: “By banning Pakistani artists, we’re pleasing the extremists – both there and here. But given the situation right now, I would say no (to allowing them to work in India).”
Fawad’s re-entry into Indian cinema was already viewed as a litmus test for how the industry might embrace cross-border artistic exchange again.
Now, Abir Gulaal seems destined to be remembered not for its art, but for the political turbulence that engulfed it.
