Uncertain Future for Indian Film "Abir Gulaal," Starring Pakistan's Fawad Khan, Amid Tensions

The future of Indian film Abir Gulaal, facing a ban in both India and Pakistan, remains uncertain days before its scheduled release as tensions rise between the two countries.

The romantic film, which stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor in the lead, was scheduled to be released on Friday.

However, last month, India's broadcasting ministry said it would not allow the film to be released in the country, following the April 22 killing of 26 people when militants opened fire within the resort district Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir.

India has charged Pakistan with involvement in the assault, an allegation Pakistan has refuted.

In response to India's ban just a few days prior, Pakistani distributors made a comparable choice, which essentially cast uncertainty over the movie's prospects.

While the film could still get an international release, distributors in the UAE who The National contacted on Wednesday mentioned they did not acquire the rights for the film. Abir Gulaal is also missing from all the major cinemas' slates of upcoming titles.

Khan and Kapoor travelled to Dubai on April 19 to promote the film at Global Village .

In the meantime, cross-border airstrikes have commenced, resulting in reports of at least 38 fatalities following the terror attack. Pakistan stated that 26 civilians were killed due to Indian attacks, whereas India reported an additional minimum of 12 casualties attributed to Pakistani shelling.

Khan was an emerging celebrity in India's Bollywood, starring in highly praised movies like Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016). However, following the 2019 Pulwama attack Which resulted in the deaths of 40 Indian security personnel and pushed both nations to the edge of conflict, an organization representing Indian filmmakers implemented a ban on all Pakistani artists.

In 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a plea aimed at prohibiting Pakistani performers from operating within India. The court stated in its judgment, "Art forms such as music, sports, cultural expressions, and dance transcend borders of nationality, ethnicity, and countries, fostering peace, serenity, solidarity, and accord among individuals and states."

Abir Gulaal This would serve as a return for Khan, who continues to be immensely popular in India.

The director and co-author Aarti S Bagdi stated Variety The previous year saw the release of "a romantic tale set in London" which delves into "the path of two people inadvertently aiding one another’s recovery, where love emerges as a surprising result."

On Tuesday, Khan shared a message on his Instagram Stories begging for tranquility.

"I extend my sincerest sympathies to the families of those who were wounded and lost their lives in this disgraceful assault. My thoughts are with the departed spirits and my prayers go out for fortitude for their relatives in the coming days," he stated.

A polite appeal to everyone: cease provoking unrest with incendiary remarks. The cost is too high for innocent lives. Let wisdom prevail. Inshallah.