The Indian government has banned the Bollywood film “Abir Gulaal,” featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan alongside Vaani Kapoor, following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 individuals, predominantly tourists.
Sources within the Information and Broadcasting Ministry confirmed the ban, citing widespread public outrage and boycott demands fueled by escalating India-Pakistan tensions. The ministry also removed promotional songs “Khudaya Ishq” and “Angreji Rangrasiya” from YouTube India. The fate of a third promotional song, “Tain Tain,” remains uncertain following its unreleased status.
The Kashmir Resistance group claimed responsibility for the attack, with Indian authorities linking the group to Lashkar-e-Taiba. This incident significantly heightened bilateral tensions, prompting India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and close the Attari-Wagah border. Social media platforms witnessed a surge in boycott calls with hashtags like #BoycottAbirGulaal trending, as users demanded the exclusion of Pakistani actors from Indian cinema. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, promised to obstruct the film’s release in Maharashtra. MNS leader Ameya Khopkar challenged filmmakers publicly to release the film.
'Abir Gulaal' won't release in India: SOURCES
It's very important, not only for our industry but also for sports and the world of performing arts, to come to a decision that it shouldn't be a knee-jerk reaction only when a terror attack happens… The country comes first:… pic.twitter.com/FuoxqWxCA5
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) April 24, 2025Despite owning music rights, Saregama India withdrew two songs, “Khudaya Ishq” and “Angreji Rangrasiya,” from YouTube. The anticipated release of the song “Tain Tain” scheduled for April 23 did not happen, suggesting preemptive measures amid boycott pressure. Additionally, Vaani Kapoor removed a promotional video from her social media accounts, initially posted on April 22.
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures, “Abir Gulaal” is a cross-border romantic comedy. The cast includes Riddhi Dogra, Soni Razdan, and others. Scheduled for release on May 9, 2025, the film marked Khan’s return to Bollywood after “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” (2016), which encountered similar backlash following the Uri attack.
Read: Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal Faces Boycott Calls in India After Pahalgam Attack
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its 2019 ban on Pakistani artists. It warned of disciplinary actions against Indian collaborators, despite a 2023 Bombay High Court ruling that limited FWICE’s enforcement powers.
Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s film Abir Gulal will not release in India, as confirmed by government sources. The decision follows public outrage over the Pahalgam terror attack and renewed calls to boycott Pakistani artists. FWICE has reiterated its ban, with no songs or visuals… pic.twitter.com/mQac5k8oBX
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) April 24, 2025Motivated by emotional reactions to the terror incident, the government’s decision raises concerns about cultural exchange and fairness. Both Khan and Kapoor publicly condemned the attack through social media, with Khan stating, “Deeply saddened by this heinous act.” No verified evidence publicly implicates Pakistan in the attack, making the ban controversial and culturally restrictive.
“Abir Gulaal” still maintains global distribution potential despite facing severe restrictions in India.
