What Happened To Abir Gulaal’s India Release? Here’s What You Need To Know

The controversial film Abir Gulaal, starring Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, faced uncertainty earlier this year following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. According to recent reports, the makers have now decided to release the film worldwide on August 29; however, it will not be released in India.

Abir Gulaal was initially slated for a release in India on May 9 but was postponed indefinitely due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, especially following India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor. Subsequently, a ban was imposed on Pakistani artists in India, with Indian film bodies warning that anyone collaborating with Pakistani talent would face strict consequences.

Before tensions escalated, the film's teaser and song had garnered a very positive response in India, with fans eagerly anticipating Fawad Khan's return to Indian cinema after nine years. However, sentiments changed dramatically after the Pahalgam attack, leading to a widespread boycott of the film across India.

Following the ban on Abir Gulaal in India, Vaani Kapoor faced harsh criticism, with some calling for her to be "cancelled" and "boycotted." Responding to the backlash at a recent event, she said, "I feel there's so much toxicity and hate that I keep hearing... 'aaj isko boycott kar do, aaj isko cancel kar do'. Mat karo yaar, have room and let people be." Actress Ridhi Dogra, who also appeared in Abir Gulaal, stated that when she signed and shot the film, the situation between the two countries was stable. She said, "Don't bully me. I am as much a citizen of this country as you. When I did that work, I was very mindful of the laws of our country. I didn't do anything illegal. And today, when we are in this situation, I feel I want to stand by my country, my armed forces."