Fawad Khan–Vaani Kapoor’s Abir Gulaal Caught in Cross-Border Row; Songs Pulled, Release Shelved Indefinitely Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Ziya Khan 2 weeks agoLast Updated: May 8, 2025

The romantic comedy Abir Gulaal, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, has become embroiled in a geopolitical controversy. Originally scheduled for release on May 9, 2025, the film’s debut has been indefinitely postponed following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in South Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Vivek Agrawal, Abir Gulaal was expected to mark Khan’s significant return to Bollywood after an eight-year hiatus. However, the film’s prospects have dimmed considerably.

Following the attack, Indian government sources confirmed that the movie would not be allowed to release in India, a decision that reflects rising diplomatic tensions and a strong public sentiment against Pakistani artists in Indian cinema. The challenges facing the film have escalated, with promotional content systematically removed from digital platforms. Songs such as “Angrezi Rangrasiya” and “Khudaya Ishq” have been taken down from YouTube channels, including those of co-producer A Richer Lens Entertainment and music label Saregama. Additionally, Vaani Kapoor has deleted all promotional posts related to Abir Gulaal from her social media accounts.

The financial outlook for the film appears bleak, with unconfirmed reports indicating that its satellite and OTT rights remain unsold. Producer Vivek Agrawal now faces the possibility of significant financial loss. The indefinite shelving of the film not only impacts stakeholders but also highlights the fragile state of cross-border collaborations in the current political climate.While Vaani Kapoor continues to receive acclaim for her role in Raid 2, which is performing well at the box office, her involvement in Abir Gulaal has drawn scrutiny.

A close associate of her mentor, Aditya Chopra, remarked, “I doubt Adi would have advised her to take this project, as she usually seeks his advice before signing any film.”Fawad Khan’s hopes for a Bollywood resurgence have also been dashed once again, as his previous film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, faced similar challenges amid political tensions. This recurring pattern raises concerns about the sustainability of cross-border artistic endeavors in today’s geopolitical landscape.