Fawad Khan's 'Abir Gulal' will NOT release in India following the Pahalgam attack: confirm Ministry sources

‘Abir Gulal,’ from the moment this movie was announced, it created headlines and unfortunately, not for all the right reasons. Headlined by Fawad Khan, a Pakistani actor who will be making his Bollywood debut with this movie, is the reason why the film has become the topic of discussion left, right, and centre. There is a fraction of the Indian society that doesn’t want Fawad to return on Indian screens, and now, following the Pahalgam attack, matters have turned even worse.
In the latest turn of events, it has been announced that ‘Abir Gulal’ starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan will not be allowed to release in India, confirmed I&B Ministry sources.
The decision to withhold the release of 'Abir Gulal' in India highlights the complex interplay between art and politics, especially in light of recent tragic events. As the nation grieves for the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack, the outrage surrounding Fawad Khan’s participation in the film underscores a larger societal divide regarding artistic expression and national sentiment.


The inhuman act of violence that engulfed 26 lives and left Pahalgam shattered into pieces left everyone in a state of grief and agony. Expressing his profound sorrow, Fawad Khan called the attack ‘horrific’.
On Tuesday, a horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, left 26 people dead, most of them tourists. It is being called the most deadly incident in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Several Bollywood actors have come together to mourn those who lost their lives and show support to those who are left displaced after the deadly attack. “My thoughts are with you,” wrote Priyanka Chopra, extending her support. Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut and various other artists called the assailants cowards who exploited the innocent lives, and visitors who were just in Pahalgam to absorb the beauty of nature.
Abir Gulaal release postponed after Pahalgam Attack; Songs taken down from YouTube India
Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, was originally scheduled to release on May 9. However, following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed the lives of several tourists, the makers have decided to put the film's release on hold.
In response to the sensitive atmosphere, the film’s songs have also been removed from YouTube India. Abir Gulaal marked Fawad Khan’s highly anticipated return to Bollywood after years of strained India-Pakistan relations, which led to a ban on Pakistani artists. There had been signs of easing tension before the incident, but the recent attack has reignited concerns, affecting the film’s rollout.