The Indian film Abir Gulaal, marking Fawad Khan’s Bollywood return, has set its global release date for August 29. However, the movie will not release in India due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision follows the renewed ban on Pakistani artists working in India after the May conflict and the Pahalgam terror attack.
The film’s India release was initially scheduled for May 9 but was canceled amid calls for boycotts. Fans had eagerly awaited Khan’s first Indian film in nine years, and the teaser and songs were well-received before politics intervened. Meanwhile, co-stars Vani Kapoor and Ridhi Dogra addressed backlash, urging audiences to separate art from political disputes.
Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S Bagadi, tells the story of two wounded souls who find love and healing together. Alongside Fawad Khan and Vani Kapoor, the cast features Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, and others. The film is produced by Rakesh Sippy, Firuzi Khan, and Vivek Aggarwal.
The movie will premiere internationally but has no confirmed release date in Pakistan. Indian films are generally banned in Pakistan, though some exceptions exist for films produced outside India, like Sardaar Ji 3. The fate of Abir Gulaal in Pakistani cinemas remains unclear.
For fans outside India and Pakistan, the wait ends on August 29. But for viewers in the two countries, the film’s release remains uncertain, reflecting the broader impact of political tensions on cross-border cinema.