Diplomatic Tensions Stall Release of Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor Starrer Abir Gulal

The release of the Bollywood film Abir Gulal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, has been indefinitely stalled following escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. The film was scheduled for a theatrical release on May 9 and would have marked Khan’s return to Indian cinema after nearly a decade.

The decision to halt the release reportedly comes in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which has triggered widespread outrage across India. In response to the incident, the Indian government announced a series of measures aimed at suspending bilateral cooperation with Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and visa facilities under the SAARC agreement.

A senior government official, speaking to The Indian Express, confirmed that Abir Gulal will not be released in India amid the current circumstances.

Following the attack, both lead actors took to social media to express their grief and condemn the violence. Khan wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.” Kapoor echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Have been numb, at a loss for words since the time I saw the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.”

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also responded strongly, announcing renewed enforcement of their long-standing directive against collaboration with Pakistani artistes. In an official statement, the body said, “In the wake of these repeated attacks, FWICE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to national interest and solidarity. We reiterate our directive, originally issued on February 18, 2019, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistani artistes, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry.”

Referring specifically to Abir Gulal, FWICE added, “Despite this ongoing directive, we have been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film Abir Gulal. In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artistes, singers, and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world.”

This is not the first time Khan’s work has faced opposition in India. His 2022 Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt was prevented from releasing in India due to legal objections and protests. Earlier, in 2016, Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil faced threats from political groups over Khan’s presence in the cast.

While there has been no official word from the filmmakers, the current diplomatic climate and industry-wide resistance suggest that the future of Abir Gulal in India remains uncertain.