Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ Faces Backlash Amid Pahalgam Outrage

Amid heightened public emotions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, the upcoming film Abir Gulaal is at the centre of growing controversy and boycott calls.

Starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, the romantic drama is directed by Aarti S Bagdi and is scheduled to hit theatres on May 9. The film, which reportedly explores a cross-border love story, has drawn criticism since its announcement, primarily due to the casting of Fawad Khan, a Pakistani national, at a time when diplomatic tensions and border conflicts remain high.

The recent Pahalgam attack has sparked renewed outrage, particularly on social media, where people are criticizing the Indian film industry's decision to work with Pakistani artists amid ongoing tensions. The backlash is gaining momentum, with many urging the film to be removed from upcoming release schedules.

Following the attack, social media has been flooded with reactions. One X (formerly Twitter) user expressed their concern over the industry's choices, asking, "Why are Pakistani artists still being welcomed in Indian cinema while our soldiers are being martyred at the borders and innocent lives are being lost?" Another user questioned the film's production, writing, "Are we still going to allow movies like Abir Gulaal to be made?"

The ongoing controversy has drawn parallels to previous incidents, particularly the backlash against Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, which also featured Fawad Khan. That film faced significant protests after the Uri terror attack on September 18, 2016, which led to an informal ban on Pakistani artists in Indian entertainment.

As one X user pointed out, "Last time it was Ae Dil Hai Mushkil... more than a month before its release, the Uri attack happened." Earlier this month, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) raised strong objections to the film’s release in the state. Despite the mounting protests, the makers of Abir Gulaal have chosen to stick to their planned release date.