The much-anticipated romantic drama Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, is officially set for a global theatrical release on August 29, 2025, reaching audiences in over 75 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, Australia, and New Zealand. However, due to rising political tensions and controversies, the film will notably not be released in India.

Background and Premise of Abir Gulaal

Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, Abir Gulaal explores a heartfelt story about two wounded souls who meet by chance and find solace in each other, evolving from playful banter and rivalry into deep love. The film follows Gulaal Bajaj (played by Vaani Kapoor), a young woman yearning for freedom from her father’s strict rules, who wins a food contest that lands her a job in London. There, she meets Abir Singh (Fawad Khan), a restaurant owner appointed as her babysitter by her father. The narrative delves into their unexpected bond and the challenges posed by secrets from their pasts.

Controversy and Release Delay in India

Initially scheduled for release in India on May 9, 2025, the film's Indian launch was stalled following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities. In the tense aftermath, various Indian trade bodies, including the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), called for a boycott of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema. This led to the cancellation of Abir Gulaal’s India release, which was to mark Fawad Khan’s much-awaited comeback to Indian films after several years. Social media accounts of several Pakistani artists, including Fawad Khan, were also restricted in India during that period.

Amid these developments, the producers decided to prioritize releasing the film overseas where it could find a welcoming audience, bypassing the Indian market entirely. This decision reflects the heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan and the ongoing calls to ban Pakistani artists in Indian projects.

Global Release Strategy and Audience Reception

Despite the setback in India, Abir Gulaal is poised to reach cinephiles worldwide, with premieres planned across major international markets on August 29. The UAE market is highlighted as potentially one of the biggest overseas audiences, given the region's significant Indian and Pakistani diaspora and the star power of the leads.

Director Aarti S. Bagdi, alongside producers Vivek Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy—known for their storytelling finesse—aims to connect audiences emotionally beyond borders. Co-star Vaani Kapoor has publicly addressed the negativity surrounding the film's controversy, urging audiences and critics to keep an open mind and avoid toxic calls for boycott.

Cast and Crew Highlights

The film features a strong supporting cast including Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, and Parmeet Sethi, enriching the narrative’s emotional depth. The music and storytelling are crafted to offer a fresh romantic drama experience, blending elements of humor, rivalry, and heartfelt drama.

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