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Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan is returning to Bollywood with his role in the romantic movie Abir Gulaal, alongside Indian actress Vaani Kapoor. The film, which has generated immense excitement among Fawad’s fans, is set to be released on May 9, 2025. The first teaser, dropped on April 1, gave fans a sneak peek of the chemistry between Fawad and Vaani, with the two actors sharing a moment in a car while listening to the iconic song “Kucha Na Kaho” from the film 1942: A Love Story.
Vaani Kapoor took to Instagram to share the teaser, expressing her excitement for the film’s release and captioning it: “The wait is over! Bringing love back to the big screen with Abir Gulaal and @fawadkhan81. A Richer lens film @aricherlens. See you in the cinemas on 9th May!” She also added magic and heart emojis to her post, fueling the anticipation of the film.
A Long-Awaited Return for Fawad Khan
This marks Fawad Khan’s first Bollywood appearance since Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, following a de facto ban on Pakistani artists in India due to political tensions after the 2016 Uri attack. His return is highly anticipated by his fans, who have been waiting for his next appearance in the Indian film industry.
However, the excitement surrounding his return has been marred by controversy. Despite the Bombay High Court ruling in 2023 that dismissed the official ban on Pakistani artists in India, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party led by Raj Thackeray, has strongly opposed the film’s release.
MNS Threatens to Block Film Release in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has voiced strong opposition to Abir Gulaal‘s release, vowing to prevent it from being screened in the state of Maharashtra. MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar made a clear statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), warning the makers of the film that they would not allow the movie to release in India. “The film Abir Gulal will not be allowed to release in India, period. Those who wish to support Pakistani artists can do so, but remember, you are up against us,” Khopkar wrote.
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This threat adds another layer of uncertainty to the film’s future, with the MNS historically taking a hard stance against Pakistani artists working in Indian entertainment.
The Changing Landscape for Pakistani Artists in Indian Cinema
Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood comes after years of tension and an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists in India, following the Uri attack in 2016. This unofficial ban led to a halt in collaborations between Indian filmmakers and Pakistani actors, with the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) discouraging such partnerships.
However, in 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking an official ban on Pakistani artists, marking a shift in the legal landscape for such collaborations. Despite this, political opposition remains, particularly from groups like MNS, who continue to protest the presence of Pakistani actors in Bollywood.
Looking Ahead: Will ‘Abir Gulaal’ Overcome the Controversy?
With Abir Gulaal slated for release in May 2025, the film’s fate now lies in the balance. While Fawad Khan’s fans eagerly await his return to the big screen, the film’s screening may be hindered by ongoing political opposition. It remains to be seen whether the makers will be able to navigate these challenges or if the political pressure will block the film’s release in Maharashtra, one of the key markets for Bollywood films.
Despite the hurdles, Abir Gulaal has already created a buzz, and many are hopeful that the film will be able to overcome the controversy and provide a successful platform for Fawad Khan’s much-awaited comeback.
