'Abir Gulaal' finds its moment in India

Fawad, Vaani starrer set for Indian screens this month

Superstar Fawad Khan's long-awaited return to Bollywood has finally taken shape with 'Abir Gulaal', a cross-border romantic comedy that pairs him opposite Indian actor Vaani Kapoor.

The film, which released worldwide on Friday, is already generating chatter for its frothy romance, glossy visuals, and the novelty of Khan's comeback to Indian cinema after nearly a decade.

The real twist, however, lies in its release strategy. While audiences across the UAE, UK and other territories have already caught the film, its India release was initially left in limbo due to strained relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Now, reports suggest that Indian Stories Limited, the UK-based production house behind the film, is preparing for a September 26 release in Indian theatres — a move that would mark Khan's official re-entry into Bollywood after the 2016 ban on Pakistani artists.

The project was already under scrutiny earlier this year. Its fate seemed uncertain following political tensions between India and Pakistan. In the past, such flare-ups had directly impacted cultural exchange, most notably the blanket ban that ended Khan's rising Bollywood career in 2016.

Despite these obstacles, 'Abir Gulaal' quietly marched ahead to a global release this week. With no major Indian title scheduled for the September 26 slot, the film may even enjoy a solo run in the country — a development that industry insiders believe could be a turning point in reintroducing Pakistani talent to Bollywood screens.

So, what exactly is 'Abir Gulaal'? Reviews from its UAE premiere describe it as a "predictable yet enjoyable rom-com" — a frothy concoction of privilege, rebellion, and opposites attracting against the backdrop of London.

Vaani Kapoor plays Gulaal Bajaj, a headstrong daughter who rebels against her conservative father's plans for an arranged marriage. When she wins a culinary contest, she lands an internship at a restaurant run by Abir Singh, played with trademark charm by Fawad Khan.

Sparks fly, tempers flare, and inevitable misunderstandings push the narrative forward. The actors' chemistry is the film's biggest asset: messy, bratty, and refreshingly imperfect.

Kapoor, often criticised for uneven performances in the past, is said to have delivered her career-best act here. Critics note her comic timing and energy, particularly in scenes where her character stumbles through independence in couture lehengas while teaching Bollywood dance classes in London.

Khan, meanwhile, slips into the role of the brooding restaurateur with ease, his screen presence amplified by what one review cheekily described as "pearly whites worthy of an IMDb credit."

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi and co-written with Meghna Singhee and Sudipto Sarkar, the film consciously avoids risque content and expletives, positioning itself as a clean family entertainer.

There are nods to Bollywood nostalgia — from a "Simran-esque" heroine to remixed classics like 'Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera' and ;Jawani Jaaneman'. Amit Trivedi's music, particularly the track 'Khudaya Ishq', lends sparkle, while glossy cinematography frames London as an Instagram-perfect playground.

But the film isn't without flaws. Critics highlight bloated editing, uneven pacing in the second half, and side characters that feel underdeveloped. Lisa Haydon's cameo, in particular, has been panned as unnecessary padding. Still, the final act redeems the excess, with a bold twist that resists the saccharine endings typical of the genre.

The timing of the Indian release could work in 'Abir Gulaal''s favour. With no other Bollywood title scheduled for September 26, distributors are betting on the film's cross-border appeal and the curiosity surrounding Khan's comeback to draw audiences.

A source quoted by Bollywood Hungama said: "The team is confident of the product and feels the film has the potential to attract audiences everywhere, including India."

Yet, the release remains unofficial. Neither the producers nor the Indian censor board have confirmed the date. The hesitation reflects the sensitivities around showcasing Pakistani artists in India, even in an era where streaming platforms often blur national boundaries.

For Fawad Khan, 'Abir Gulaal' is more than just another project. The actor became a household name in India through films like 'Khoobsurat' (2014) and 'Kapoor & Sons' (2016), alongside his Pakistani television successes. His abrupt exit from Bollywood following the Uri attack left a gap that fans have long wanted filled.

That his comeback is wrapped in a feel-good, family-friendly package feels deliberate — a safer re-entry point in an industry still cautious about cross-border collaborations. Whether audiences will embrace him again remains to be seen, but early reactions suggest nostalgia and his enduring star power could tilt the balance.

Verdict so far

'Abir Gulaal' doesn't aim to reinvent the rom-com wheel. Instead, it offers familiar tropes polished with glamour, humour, and a cross-cultural setting. Its success may depend less on critical acclaim and more on the buzz surrounding Khan's return and the novelty of watching him opposite Kapoor.

If the film does see an Indian release on September 26, it won't just be about ticket sales. It will test whether Bollywood and its audiences are ready, once again, to embrace talent from across the border — at least on the silver screen.

Until then, 'Abir Gulaal' is enjoying its moment as a global release, carrying the weight of more than just romance on its shoulders.