Following the Pahalgam attack and resulting political tensions, India has banned the release of the Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor starrer, Abir Gulaal. "The movie Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, will not be allowed to release in India," said sources close to Hindustan Times.
The Aarti S Bagdi film was scheduled for a theatrical release on May 9, with promotions already in full swing. However, calls for a boycott emerged following the attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 casualties on Tuesday.
Abir Gulaal's songs Khudaya Ishq and Angreji Rangrasiya were also taken off YouTube. They no longer appear on the official channels of A Richer Lens Entertainment, the film's production house, and record label Saregama. Earlier, makers announced the release of a third song, Tain Tain, though it was not released on the expected date.
On Wednesday, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated their directive to ban Pakistani artists. They announced that they would no longer cooperate with Pakistani professionals aiming to work in the Indian film and entertainment industry.
"In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world," the statement read.
The move is reminiscent of a directive issued by the industry workers' union in February 2019. Following the Pulwama attack, the union warned of disciplinary action against any parties collaborating with Pakistani artists.
Fawad, who was all set to mark his Bollywood comeback with Abir Gulaal, last appeared in an Indian film in 2016. The romantic feature, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, also faced difficulties after the terror attack in Uri.
The Pakistani star also took to Instagram Stories to condemn the recent Pahalgam attack. "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time," he wrote.
India's rabid response
Social media users in India seem to be on board with their state's decision to block the release of Abir Gulaal in cinemas. Many netizens on Instagram supported the decision with a thumbs-up emoji, while others offered words of approval.
An X user wrote, "Not just now, these things should never, ever be allowed! Make it a rule. Set a precedent!" Another said, "The Indian producers and actors of this film should be labelled as traitors. It's time Bollywood learned from IPL, who have not taken a single player from the enemy country."
Many Indian social media users have been calling for a boycott of the film, even before the recent decision. Sharing a poster from the film, a user wrote, "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? Dear makers, India isn't a platform for selective amnesia! Don't you get it?"
Some even referred to an interview of Vaani, where she mentioned feeling "lucky" to be able to share the screen with Fawad. "India spits on Vaani Kapoor. Shameless," a user wrote.
"Do one thing. Go with your Pakistani hero to his country and watch the movie there. We won't even let this one play on OTT platforms, let alone in theatres," a netizen said, replying to a post on X, where she promoted the film's song Angreji Rangrasiya.
Maharashtra opposition
Earlier this month, Abir Gulaal encountered significant opposition in Maharashtra. As per Pinkvilla, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, firmly objected to the film's release in the state due to Fawad's Pakistani nationality.
MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar stated, "We only learned about this film's release today when the makers announced it. But we are making it clear that we will not allow this film to release in Maharashtra because it features a Pakistani actor. Under no circumstances will we permit such films to be released in the state."
Echoing similar sentiments, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam emphasised the prevailing anti-Pakistan sentiment in India. He remarked, "There is widespread hatred for Pakistan in India. When a film from Pakistan is released, Indian audiences do not prefer watching it. Even if a few people watch it out of curiosity, Pakistani artists have never been able to gain widespread success in India."
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