Fawad Khan’s highly anticipated Bollywood return in Abir Gulaal came to a sudden halt. The government sources confirm the ban in India. The move follows a tragic terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 25 tourists and a resident.
Abir Gulaal, starring Vaani Kapoor and directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, was set to release on May 9. However, opposition grew earlier this month, led by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The backlash rose after the recent attack, prompting cinema chains and entertainment bodies to withdraw their support for the film. India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reportedly denied the film’s release.
Fawad Khan, who reacted to the attack, wrote on Instagram, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims…” expressing his condolences.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reaffirmed its ban on Pakistani talent. “Anyone violating this will face disciplinary action,” the statement read. This project isn’t the first cross border film to have faced cancellation. Films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees were also boycotted following the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.