After months of buzz, shifting release dates, and political storm clouds, Fawad Khan's latest Bollywood film 'Abir Gulaal' is finally set to hit the screens worldwide, but not in India because of a ban on Pakistani artists.
As per Biz Asia, the film will release worldwide on August 29, with its big premiere set overseas but not in India. According to another Indian media report, the movie will release in theatres in over 75 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi, Abir Gulaal is expected to be a cross-cultural film that highlights the chemistry between Fawad and Vaani. The film is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. It is co-produced by Vivek B Agarwal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.
Playing the role of a UK-based chef, Fawad appears opposite Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor. Abir Gulaal will be an addition to the romantic comedy genre. It will mark Fawad's return to Bollywood after nine years. Lisa Hayden, Ridhi Dogra, Parmeet Sethi and veteran Farida Jalal are also part of the cast.
Abir Gulaal was originally slated to release on May 9. However, the film remains banned in India. The ban on Pakistani actors was implemented by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) following the Palagham attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April.
Many trade organisations, including All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE), also pressed for a ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry.
Hence, the release of Sardaar JI 3 which starred Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and Abir Gulaal that cast Fawad in lead role were both halted. The film had generated buzz among fans, particularly due to Fawad's return to the Bollywood scene.
Fawad made his Bollywood debut in 2014 with Khoobsurat, starring opposite Sonam Kapoor. He went on to appear in Dharma Productions's Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which was his last Indian project before the ban on Pakistani artists in 2016.
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