Fawad Khan’s upcoming film Abir Gulaal, which was scheduled to hit Indian cinemas on May 9, will reportedly no longer be released in India following the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian media outlets have reported.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of supporting “cross-border terrorism” in the aftermath of the attack in occupied Kashmir that claimed over 24 lives. Pakistan has denied any involvement, rejecting the allegations.
The Bollywood film, co-starring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, had already been facing mounting calls for a boycott following the attack. According to The Indian Express, sources from India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry confirmed that the release had been cancelled in light of the incident.
Additionally, two of the film’s songs, which had been recently released, were removed from the YouTube channels of both A Richer Lens Entertainment, the film’s production company, and Saregama Music, as reported by Filmfare. While the teaser and official trailer remain available, the songs Khudaya Ishq and Angreji Rangrasiya appear to have been taken down.
There has been no official statement from Fawad Khan, director Aarti S Bagdi, or the production team regarding the film’s status. Images reached out to Khan’s team but received no response at the time of reporting.
Actors Condemn Attack
Both lead actors publicly condemned the Pahalgam attack on social media.
Fawad Khan posted on Instagram:
“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.”
Vaani Kapoor shared a similar sentiment, writing:
“Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.”
Film Bodies and Political Backlash
Even before the attack, Abir Gulaal had faced criticism and resistance, especially from right-wing political groups. The backlash intensified over the past 48 hours, with major Indian film industry associations opposing the movie’s release.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its long-standing directive against Pakistani participation in Indian entertainment. Referring to the 2019 ban it first issued after the Pulwama attack, FWICE stated:
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to national interest and solidarity. In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, we are compelled to once again issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians involved in Indian entertainment projects, anywhere in the world.”
Specifically addressing Abir Gulaal, the statement warned that any FWICE members who collaborate with Pakistani talent would face disciplinary action, and the federation would ensure the film does not get released in India.
In remarks to NDTV, Ashok Pandit, FWICE’s chief advisor and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association, condemned any collaboration with Pakistani artists, saying:
“This isn’t the first attack—this has been going on for 30 years. We’ve pleaded with our industry not to work with Pakistanis. They talk about art and community, but the nation must come first.”
Referring to Vaani Kapoor and the film’s creators, Pandit controversially added:
“If the family of the heroine or the filmmakers had been shot by terrorists, they wouldn’t have agreed to work with Fawad Khan.”
