Fawad Khan’s long-awaited comeback to Bollywood in “Abir Gulaal,” starring Vaani Kapoor, will not be going to Indian cinemas after all. The decision was made in response to the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, that killed 27 individuals.
The strike, carried out by Lashkar-affiliated terrorists, has evoked popular outrage. Matters escalated when the Resistance Front (TRF), a splinter group of Lashkar-e-Taiba, came forward and claimed responsibility.
“Abir Gulaal” was meant to be Fawad Khan’s much-awaited comeback to Bollywood after almost a decade. The actor, who was popular from films such as “Khoobsurat” (2014), “Kapoor & Sons” (2016), and “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” (2016), had amassed a considerable fan following in India. But ever since the 2016 Uri attack, Indian film associations such as IMPPA and AICWA unofficially boycotted Pakistani artists, a move that has not changed much despite court appeals.
All theater’s in India should Ban this motherfucker #pakistani #FawadKhan bitch #Vanikapoor movie #AbirGulaal #Phalagamattack#PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/z0ZvJesPm8
— Guerrilla Warfare (Chatrapathi Shivaji Army) (@ADDICTEDTOAMMA) April 23, 2025
Although there was expectation that “Abir Gulaal” could reverse the trend, increasing public and political pressure following the Pahalgam attack appears to have doomed the film’s fate in Indian theaters.
Also Read: Vaani Kapoor’s BIG Mistake? Promoting Abir Gulaal with Fawad Khan Amid Pahalgam Attack Fury!
The Stars’ Response
Both Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan used social media to share their grief at the attack. Fawad posted on Instagram, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam… We pray for strength and healing for their families.” Vaani repeated his sentiments, posting, “Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.”
With “Abir Gulaal” not yet released in India, it highlights the continuing influence of political and security tensions on artistic collaboration across borders.
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