Aabeer Gulaal, the highly anticipated romantic drama starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, premiered globally on September 12 but received more criticism than appreciation from audiences. Viewers across social media platforms expressed disappointment, labeling the film “tedious,” “uninspired,” and even “painful to sit through.” Many expected the star-studded project to deliver an emotional, engaging experience, but the reactions suggested it fell short of expectations.
Comments on film forums and review sites painted a grim picture. One viewer bluntly stated, “Fawad Khan appears to be sleepwalking through this mess,” while another dismissed it as “a badly directed B movie” with an inconsistent storyline. Critics added that failed attempts at humor and a lack of cohesive narrative flow further weakened the film. Even the soundtrack, which often rescues underwhelming romantic dramas, was said to lack memorable impact.
Despite the overwhelming negativity, some reviewers pointed out redeeming aspects. Vaani Kapoor’s performance earned occasional praise, with several noting that she “lit up the screen” even in lackluster scenes. A few viewers highlighted specific songs and “cute moments” that briefly captured the charm of a traditional romance. However, these scattered positives could not outweigh the general disappointment voiced by moviegoers and critics alike.
Film critic Haroon Rashid echoed these sentiments in a detailed review, calling Aabeer Gulaal “one of the most frustrating romantic dramas in recent years.” He criticized the weak storyline, poor direction, and technical flaws that left the film feeling unfinished. Rashid’s remarks added credibility to the growing perception that the movie missed its potential, despite boasting two high-profile leads.
Nevertheless, not all feedback was entirely negative. Fawad Khan’s dedicated fanbase defended the film, describing it as a “wholesome comfort watch” and praising his charisma on screen. Some even compared its tone to Love Guru, arguing that while it lacked big-budget polish, it still offered moments of charm for fans of romantic cinema. Even so, the overall response suggests Aabeer Gulaal failed to make the lasting impression its creators had hoped for.