New Trailer Shows Fawad Khan and Vani Kapoor in Abir Gulaal Amid Threats

Fawad Khan just gave us the best gift of Eid. The actor is making a comeback after 8 years in an upcoming film “Abir Gulaal” alongside Vani Kapoor. It’s safe to say that the fans couldn’t be happier as they have waited eagerly since his last appearance in “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.” Perhaps, Fawad Khan’s “Abir Gulaal” will heal Bollywood once again!

The romantic film was announced last year and the filmmakers have provided a glimpse of Fawad and Vaani in it as they dropped a teaser on April 1. It showed both Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan vibing to the iconic song “Kuch Na Kaho.” The movie is scheduled for release on May 9, 2025.

However, it seems like it wasn’t the ideal time to release the film as now it is facing severe backlash from political parties due to the strained relationship between India and Pakistan.

Read More: Jack Black is Returning for Jumanji 4

Such good news is now overshadowed by dark clouds of political threats. It is tragic to say the least.

Political Threats to Fawad Khan’s “Abir Gulaal”

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party in India, has voiced strong opposition to the screening of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra. Ameya Khopkar, head of the MNS’s film wing, stated, “We have been protesting against this film, against Pakistani artists and Pakistani films. And we will continue to do so. No film will be released here featuring Pakistani artists.”

In the same report, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam claimed that Pakistani artists are not in demand in India.

“When a film is released from Pakistan, Indian people do not like to watch it. It is a different thing to watch one or two films for a minute, but the films of Pakistani artists do not become very popular among the Indian audience. That is why Pakistani stars have never been able to succeed in India. I would advise Pakistanis that instead of exploring the Indian market, it is better to work in their own country.”

Fawad was absent from the Indian cinema due to an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists in India following the 2016 Uri attack. Collaborations with Pakistani artists were discouraged by the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) as it passed a resolution.

However, in 2023, the official ban was dismissed by the Bombay High Court after it received a petition seeking an official ban on Pakistani artists. Looks like, despite the ban being lifted, the political parties can’t seem to keep the hate aside.

Previous Ban on Fawad Khan

Contrary to Nirupam’s claims, Khan enjoys heartthrob status in India, having played the lead in Bollywood hits Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016).

Despite his popularity, the Indian release of his film, The Legend of Maula Jatt, was paused after a right-wing fringe group objected to it. Now, in addition to political resistance, Abir Gulaal is also facing opposition from film bodies. Some have even indicated intentions to issue non-cooperation directives concerning Abir Gulaal, further complicating its release prospects

Ashoke Pandit, a producer and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association stated that the industry federations have maintained a non-cooperation stance against Pakistani artists since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

The 2019 Pulwama Attack

The 2019 Pulwama attack was a terrorist attack that took place on February 14, 2019, in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

A suicide bomber from the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

As a consequence, several diplomatic and economic measures were taken against Pakistan which included revoking its Most Favoured Nation (MFN) trade status and the All Indian Cine Workers Association’s ban on Pakistani actors and artists in the Indian film industry. It was also stated that strong action would be taken on any organisation violating it.

The Film Still Set to Release

Despite these challenges, the film’s teaser has garnered positive reactions from audiences, with many expressing excitement over Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after nearly a decade. The on-screen chemistry between Khan and Kapoor has been particularly praised, heightening anticipation for the film’s release. 

As the release date approaches, it remains uncertain how these political and industry dynamics will influence the film’s distribution and reception in India. Will art be sacrificed at the hands of politics this time too or Fawad Khan’s magic will survive through it? This only time will tell.