After months of speculation, delays, and political controversy, Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback film ‘Abir Gulaal’ finally has a release date. The romantic drama will premiere in over 75 countries on August 29 — but India won’t be one of them.
Political tensions force change in release plans
Originally scheduled for a May 9 release, ‘Abir Gulaal’ hit roadblocks after the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which left at least 26 people dead. India accused Pakistan of involvement, triggering Operation Sindoor, to which Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyanun Marsoos.
The fallout led to a renewed ban on Pakistani artists in India, forcing the film’s producers to indefinitely shelve its Indian release.
Global rollout in 75+ countries
Despite the setback, ‘Abir Gulaal’ is gearing up for an international debut. According to industry sources, the film will open in major markets, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE. In the UK, distribution will be handled by Indian Stories Limited.
The move mirrors the release strategy of Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, which bypassed India but performed strongly overseas.
Star cast and story
Directed by Aarti S Bagadi, the film stars Fawad Khan opposite Vaani Kapoor, with Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, Parmeet Sethi, and Rahul Vohra in supporting roles.
The story follows “two wounded souls brought together by chance, who find solace in each other’s company and gradually fall in love.”
Cast responds to backlash
Vaani Kapoor, who faced online criticism for working with a Pakistani co-star, urged audiences to rise above hate. “There’s so much toxicity and hate… have room and let people be,” she said.
Co-star Ridhi Dogra defended her involvement, noting she signed the film during a calmer phase in India-Pakistan relations. “I stand by my country and our armed forces, but don’t bully me for something that was legal then,” she said.
No word on Pakistan release
While ‘Abir Gulaal’ will release globally, its fate in Pakistan remains uncertain. Indian films are banned here, though exceptions have been made for productions filmed outside India.
With its global release now set, the film will mark Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after nine years — at least for audiences outside South Asia.
