Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated return
to Indian cinema with the romantic comedy Abir Gulaal may face delays,
as backlash grows following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and
Kashmir, that killed 26 people earlier this week.
The film, which also stars Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor,
was scheduled to release on May 9, but its future now hangs in the
balance. Industry insiders report that several cinema exhibitors have expressed
hesitation in screening a film featuring a Pakistani actor, fearing protests
and public anger.
🎬 Exhibitors Reluctant to
Screen the Film
According to sources close to the production, theatre chains
have conveyed their unwillingness to screen Abir Gulaal amid the rising
nationalistic mood. “Theatres are reluctant. There’s concern about security,
backlash, and whether audiences will even turn up. The producers are in talks,
but it’s unlikely the movie will release on May 9,” said a source familiar with
the matter.
🚫 FWICE Renews Boycott of
Pakistani Artists
In a strong statement issued Wednesday, the Federation of
Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reasserted its ban on Pakistani
artists, citing Abir Gulaal as a violation of its standing directive.
The body, which represents thousands of film industry workers, first issued
this directive in 2019 after the Pulwama attack and reiterated it now in
light of the Pahalgam tragedy.
“Despite the existing non-cooperation policy, it has come to
our attention that Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is part of Abir Gulaal. In
view of recent events, we are reiterating a total boycott of Pakistani artists,
singers, and technicians,” FWICE stated.
🇮🇳 Public
Sentiment and Social Media Backlash
The film has also become a lightning rod on social media.
The hashtag #BoycottAbirGulaal was trending on X (formerly Twitter)
on Wednesday, with users demanding the film’s ban. “If the government is
serious, they must stop the release of Abir Gulaal. There should be zero
tolerance for collaborations with Pakistani artists,” one user posted.
This isn’t Fawad Khan’s first brush with such controversy.
In 2016, following the Uri terror attack, his film Ae Dil Hai
Mushkil faced massive opposition. Director Karan Johar eventually had to
publicly apologize and pledged not to work with Pakistani artists again.
🕊️ Pahalgam Attack Sparks
Policy Shift
The latest terror attack in Pahalgam has led to major
diplomatic and cultural consequences. The Indian government has already
announced five major punitive steps against Pakistan, including suspending
the Indus Waters Treaty and halting visa cooperation under the SAARC
scheme.
In this charged environment, Abir Gulaal has become a
flashpoint in the wider debate about art, politics, and national security.