Starring Vaani Kapoor and pakistani actor fawad khan, the upcoming cross-border romantic drama abir gulaal is drawing sharp criticism online. The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has left the country shaken, and many Indians have turned to social media to condemn the timing of promotional activities surrounding the film.
- One user tweeted, “After this attack on our Indian brothers and sisters, every Pakistani actor and artist should be banned. We all strongly condemn this cowardly act.”
- Another said, “Vaani, wake up and read the room. This movie ain’t releasing in India.”
- A third added, “Vaani, get real and grow a spine. Being physically tall isn’t enough.”
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is scheduled to release on May 9, 2025. The film, touted as a heartwarming love story that transcends borders, has been controversial since its inception, largely due to Fawad Khan’s involvement.
Industry-wide calls for boycott
The tragedy in Pahalgam has only intensified the backlash, with many questioning the Indian film industry’s willingness to continue professional ties with Pakistani artists. This mirrors past controversies, such as the backlash Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil faced in 2016, also featuring Fawad Khan, after the Uri terror attack.
That incident had prompted industry-wide calls to sever ties with Pakistani talent. While Vaani Kapoor and the film’s team have remained silent on the matter so far, the pressure is mounting. Many are demanding a clear stance or statement, particularly from Fawad Khan.
| Controversy | Year | Incident |
|---|---|---|
| Ae Dil Hai Mushkil | 2016 | Uri terror attack |
The fate of Abir Gulaal in Indian theatres remains uncertain as public sentiment turns increasingly hostile. Netizens are calling for a boycott of the film, and the controversy is only expected to intensify as the release date approaches.
“We will not tolerate any collaboration with Pakistani artists during such turbulent times. It’s a matter of national pride and security,”
“Vaani, get real and grow a spine. Being physically tall isn’t enough. You need to stand up for your country and its people. This is not just about the movie, but about the message you’re sending to the world.”
As the debate rages on, the future of Abir Gulaal remains uncertain. With the controversy surrounding Fawad Khan’s involvement, it remains to be seen whether the film will find a place in Indian theatres.
“It’s not just about the film, it’s about the values and principles that we stand for. We need to be careful about who we collaborate with and what message we send to the world.”
Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan have yet to comment on the situation, leaving fans and critics alike wondering what the future holds for Abir Gulaal.
Netizens demand boycott
- “We will not support any movie that promotes Pakistani talent. We will boycott the film and make sure that it doesn’t do well at the box office,”
- “I will not watch the movie and will encourage others to do the same. It’s not worth risking our national pride and security,”
- “We need to stand up for our country and its people. We can’t just ignore the issue and let it slide,”
The pressure is mounting, and the Indian film industry is left to navigate this sensitive issue.