Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is all set to make his comeback in Bollywood with the movie Abir Gulaal which also stars Vaani Kapoor in the lead role. It is slated to release on May 9, 2025, and after the teaser was released, a couple of political parties had stated that they won't allow the release of the film as it stars a Pakistani actor. Now, after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, even netizens are against the release of Abir Gulaal, and film federation heads are also opposing the release of the movie.
According to Hindustan Times, Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, said, “This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn’t the first time...these attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands not to work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. People think ‘agar mere ghar ka aadmi nahi mara toh f**k it, I don’t care’, but if this film’s heroine or makers’ family members had been shot by the terrorists, they wouldn't have worked (with Fawad).”
He further said, "We will issue an order that anyone who works with Pakistani artists, will be boycotted by the industry.”
FWICE President Says They Won't Let The Film To Release In India
President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), BN Tiwari stated that they won't let Abir Gulaal to release in India, and action will be taken against the makers if they release the film.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Scenario Recreated
In 2016, Uri attacks had happened in September, and in October, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was supposed to release, which had Fawad Khan in an extended cameo. The film faced a lot of backlash as there was a Pakistani actor in it. However, as ADHM was already shot, it was allowed to be released, but Karan Johar had to share a video in which he had stated that he won't work with the actors from the neighbouring country.
Now, in 2025, Fawad Khan is all set to make his comeback in Bollywood with Abir Gulaal which is slated to release in May this year, and in April, a terrorist attack happened in Pahalgam, Kashmir. So, one can say that the 2016 scenario is being recreated.
