Pahalgam terror attacks in Kashmir: Boycott calls intensify towards Abir Gulaal in India

Dubai: The upcoming Hindi romantic comedy Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and starring actor Fawad Khan alongside Vaani Kapoor, is facing significant backlash in India.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release on May 9, 2025 .​

According to reports, the controversy centers on the casting of Fawad Khan. Social media platforms have seen a surge in calls for a boycott of the film, with users questioning the inclusion of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema during tense times.

Political opposition has also emerged, notably from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which has declared that it will not permit the film's release in Maharashtra.

This situation echoes past controversies, such as the 2016 release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which also featured Fawad Khan and faced similar protests. That incident led to an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian films.

Despite the backlash, some voices in the industry have defended the actors saying art is above politics.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the film's producers regarding any changes to the release schedule. The situation remains fluid, with public sentiment and political pressures potentially influencing the film's distribution in the coming weeks.