Fawad Khan’s much-awaited Hindi comeback, Abir Gulaal, finds itself at the center of political and cinematic controversy following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22. The film’s teaser dropped on April 1, but recent events have ignited opposition from key film bodies and political factions.
Film Bodies Oppose Release, Cite National Sentiment
Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, made a passionate plea against the film’s release. “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 to not work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first,” he said.
Criticizing the film’s makers, Pandit added, “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 terrorist, they wouldn’t have worked (with Fawad).”
BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), echoed the sentiment. “We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers (if they release the film),” he said.
MNS Vows to Stall Maharashtra Release
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), under Raj Thackeray’s leadership, also joined the opposition. In a post on X, Ameya Khopkar, president of MNS’s cinema wing, warned of repercussions. “Despite telling numerous times that the party will not allow movies starring Pakistani actors to be released in India, some ‘rotten mangoes’ keep cropping up.”
He added, “The Mansainiks have to do the job of dumping them in the bin and we will continue to do so. We will not allow the release of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra. Those who want to pamper Pakistani actors can do so but they have to deal with us.”
Fawad Khan Condemns Pahalgam Attack
While political and industry bodies express outrage, Fawad Khan has publicly condemned the attack through his Instagram Stories. “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,” he wrote.
About Abir Gulaal
Abir Gulaal is directed by Aarti S Bagdi (known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi) and produced by Indian Stories in collaboration with A Richer Lens and Aarjay Pictures. Fawad Khan stars opposite Vaani Kapoor in this Indo-Pak cross-border drama. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on May 9 — but the road ahead appears uncertain.
