Superstar Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s upcoming film Abir Gulaal is facing intense scrutiny in India ahead of its May 9, 2025, release.
The teaser, unveiled on April 1, sparked buzz, but political parties and film associations are now opposing the project, reigniting debates over Pakistani artists in Bollywood.
@photonewspk Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s Abir Gulaal teaser is here Read Full Story: https://shorturl.at/psnP1 #fawadKhan #vaanikapoor #bollywoodsong #bollywoodsongs #india ♬ original sound – PhotoNews
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has vowed to block the film’s release in Maharashtra. Spokesperson Ameya Khopkar stated, “We won’t allow this film in the state because it features a Pakistani actor.” He added that the MNS is gathering more details before issuing a full statement, per Dainik Bhaskar.
#Maharashtra Navnirman Sena to oppose release of 'Abir Gulaal' film for featuring Pakistani actor #FawadKhanhttps://t.co/rwB7KlMRmT pic.twitter.com/Z4W6NV7moU
— The Telegraph (@ttindia) April 2, 2025Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam dismissed the appeal of Pakistani artists, saying, “Indian audiences don’t watch their films. Pakistani stars have never succeeded here.” Yet, Khan’s popularity in India, with hits like Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016), contradicts this claim. Film bodies resist; Ashoke Pandit of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association told India Today, “We’ve opposed Pakistani artists since the 2019 Pulwama attack; no technicians will work with these producers.”
Read: Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor Unveil Abir Gulaal Teaser for May 9 Release
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees plans to meet the production team despite no official ban on Pakistani artists, as confirmed by a 2023 Bombay High Court ruling.
The teaser for Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback Abir Gulaal went viral, but controversy soon followed.
Raj Thackeray’s MNS opposed its release in Maharashtra, citing Khan’s Pakistani background.
Ameya Khopkar stated they would not allow the film to release in the state,… pic.twitter.com/9tOAAOcz83
— Mid Day (@mid_day) April 2, 2025Khan’s previous film, The Legend of Maula Jatt, also faced delays in India due to right-wing objections. With Abir Gulaal in the crosshairs, its release hangs in the balance. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension over cult the ural exchange, leaving fans uncertain if the film will hit India the theatre planned.
