Abir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, is set for a worldwide release on 29 August but its India release is still in doubt. The film has faced intense scrutiny following the Pahalgam attack and the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
A Bollywood-style romantic comedy, Abir Gulaal initially had fans in India excited for Fawad Khan’s return to cinemas. However, amid rising nationalist sentiments, many felt its release in India should be stopped. The makers have used a distribution loophole to proceed with the global release, leaving the Indian release uncertain.
Several nationalist groups have warned that if the film is screened in Indian theatres, cineplexes could face consequences. The makers anticipated such backlash given the recent incidents, yet the controversy continues to grow.
A similar situation occurred with Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Amir’s Sardaar Ji 3, which released in Pakistan, Canada, and the USA but skipped India. Many online users and industry experts have suggested that Abir Gulaal be launched directly on OTT worldwide, enabling broader access while avoiding unnecessary political tensions.
