MUMBAI: The ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India have taken a toll on the entertainment industry, with reports now confirming that Fawad Khan’s upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal will not be released in India. This decision comes in the wake of a deadly attack in Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir, which left over 24 people dead and heightened the political climate between the two nations.
The Indian government has accused Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism” in connection with the attack, though Pakistan has strongly denied any involvement. Following this incident, the film’s release, initially scheduled for May 9, has been cancelled. Growing calls for a boycott of the film, particularly after the attack, have put pressure on the film’s distribution in India.
In addition to the cancellation of the film’s release, two songs from Abir Gulaal, including the track “Khudaya Ishq,” were reportedly removed from YouTube, the official platform of the film’s production house, A Richer Lens Entertainment, and music label Saregama Music. While the teaser for “Khudaya Ishq” and the official movie trailer remain on YouTube, the music videos have been taken down, leaving fans and media questioning the status of the film.
Sources from India’s Information Ministry have confirmed to The Indian Express that the film will no longer see a theatrical release in the country, although no formal statement has been issued by the film’s director, Aarti S. Bagdi, or the production house.
Both lead actors of the film, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, publicly condemned the attack on social media. Khan expressed his sorrow on Instagram, writing, “I am deeply saddened by the horrific attack in Pahalgam. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this tragic time.” Kapoor, too, took to social media, sharing her shock and grief: “I am at a loss for words after seeing the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the families of those affected.”
However, despite their heartfelt messages, the film faced mounting opposition from several Indian film bodies. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has been particularly vocal, calling for a complete boycott of Pakistani artists and technicians in the Indian film industry.
In a statement, the FWICE reiterated its stance, saying, “Given the ongoing threats to national security and the recent attacks, we reaffirm our directive from 2019, which calls for no cooperation with Pakistani artists.” The organization specifically singled out Abir Gulaal, condemning the involvement of Fawad Khan and further threatening disciplinary action against anyone involved in the production.
Ashok Pandit, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry and chief advisor to FWICE, described the situation as an “act of war.” He stated, “These repeated attacks over the years show the gravity of the situation. We have asked the film industry to prioritize national interest over artistic collaborations, and this issue is far greater than just a film release.”
With the situation rapidly escalating, Abir Gulaal now faces an uncertain future in India, as the political and cultural tensions between the two countries continue to affect the entertainment industry.
