Abir Gulaal: Will Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor's Film Release In India Amid Ongoing Backlash? Here's What We Know!

Abir Gulaal: Abir Gulaal is one of the anticipated films especially for the Fawad Khan fans who have been waiting to witness the actor in Indian films after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, where he was seen opposite Anushka Sharma, playing a cameo role. Post Uri attack, when Pakistani stars were asked to leave the country after facing the ban by Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), Fawad too had to leave India despite having projects in his hands. Now, after the ban is lifted, Fawad is set to star opposite Vaani Kapoor in the upcoming romantic drama, which is set to release on May 9, 2025, in theatres.

Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor's Film Abir Gulaal To Face Ban?

There are several speculations around that the film might face ban. The rumours started when Shiv Sena & MNS slammed the makers and vowed to not let the film release in Maharashtra and India hours after the trailer was released on Tuesday. The reason behind their protest is the presence of Pakistani actor in the film. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam stated that audiences do not like to watch films featuring Pakistani actors, he said, "There is widespread hatred for Pakistan in India. When a film from Pakistan is released, Indian audiences do not prefer watching it. Even if a few people watch it out of curiosity, Pakistani artists have never been able to gain widespread success in India," Nirupam stated.

He further added that the central government's policies must be implemented, "If the central government has a policy on this, it should be implemented. The decision on whether Pakistani films should be released in India or if their artists should be allowed to work here must be made by the government," Nirupam added. For the unversed, the president of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association earlier stated that while there is no legal ban on Pakistani artists working in India, they don't encourage them either to work in India.

Now, the backlash and ongoing controversy put the film's future in India in question.

Abir Gulaal Teaser

On Tuesday, the teaser of Abir Gulaal was released where Fawad Khan could be heard humming to 'Kuch Naa Kaho' to Vaani Kapoor that garnered massive praise from the majority of the audience and Bollywood celebrities. Sharing the teaser, it was captioned, "The wait is over! Bringing love back to the big screen with Abir Gulaal and @fawadkhan81. A Richer lens film @aricherlens. See you in the cinemas on 9th May! ❤️✨"

After the video went viral, Tamannaah Bhatia wrote, "Soooo cuteee😍😍😍", filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor wrote, "The Absolutely marvellous @vaanikapoor and the smashing @fawadkhan81 .. ❤️❤️" Anushka Ranjan wrote, "Cutieee ❤️❤️"

Other than Bollywood celebrities, many fans have also commented under it, one wrote, "Earth is healing Fawad is back in India 😘😘," another wrote, "Earth is healing Fawad is back in India 😘😘" one fan commented, "JUST FELL ON MY KNEES ROMCOM FAWAD IS COMING BACK😭😭😭💖💖💖" One wrote, "Omg @vaanikapoor u so lucky to share the screen with The @fawadkhan81 ... few ppl in comments rightly said... it's like the earth is healing now that we get to see @fawadkhan81 on screens .. Bollywood is healing! ❤️‍🩹"

For the unversed, the synopsis the of film reads, "This heartwarming tale unfolds in the picturesque streets of London, weaving a love story filled with unexpected turns, tender moments, and pure magic. Audiences can expect a delightful blend of laughter, tender moments, and the undeniable chemistry between Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor."