MUMBAI: The impending release of ‘Abir Gulaal’, a cross-border romantic drama starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, has stirred a political and social storm across India, following a devastating terror attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
The film, helmed by director Aarti S Bagdi and scheduled to hit cinemas on 9 May, marks Fawad Khan’s controversial return to Indian cinema after nearly a decade-long hiatus imposed by an industry ban on Pakistani talent.
However, the timing of his comeback could not have been more contentious. In the wake of the latest attack in Kashmir, India has taken swift retaliatory measures against Pakistan suspending visas for Pakistani nationals, halting cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty, and sealing the Wagah-Attari border.
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Public anger has spilled onto social media, with users lambasting the Indian film fraternity for collaborating with Pakistani artistes amid ongoing tensions. Netizens have urged the government to enforce stricter actions against any form of cross-border entertainment ties, particularly in light of recent bloodshed.
Adding weight to the sentiment, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reiterated its firm stance against Pakistani involvement in the Indian entertainment sector. The body had earlier imposed a non-cooperation directive in 2019 following the Pulwama attack, which killed 40 CRPF jawans.
In a fresh statement, FWICE said: “We have been informed of the casting of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in ‘Abir Gulaal’. In light of the Pahalgam tragedy, we are compelled to renew and reinforce our blanket ban on all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians in Indian films and entertainment projects regardless of where the collaboration occurs globally.”
FWICE President BN Tiwari took a hard line, stating unequivocally: “We will not allow ‘Abir Gulaal’ to be released in India. If the makers proceed with its release, we shall take firm action against them.”
With mounting calls for a nationwide boycott, industry insiders are now speculating whether cinemas will screen the film at all, given the volatile climate and pressure from trade unions.
As the date of release nears, the future of Abir Gulaal hangs in the balance, caught in the crossfire of artistic freedom and national sentiment.
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