The makers of Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal unveiled the teaser of the much-awaited film on Tuesday (April 1), leaving fans excited. However, the film has already landed in controversy, as Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has opposed its release in Maharashtra.
MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar said that they are strictly against the film’s release in Maharashtra.
During an interaction with Dainik Bhaskar, Ameya said, “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. We are gathering more information about the film and will soon issue a full statement.”
Shiv Sena leader weighs in
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also shared his views on the controversy. He reportedly stated, “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.”
He further advised Pakistani artists to focus on their own industry rather than trying to enter the Indian market. “If the central government has a policy on this, it should be implemented. The decision on whether Pakistani films should be released in India or if their artists should be allowed to work here must be made by the government,” he added.
About Abir Gulaal
The teaser of Abir Gulal, starring Fawad and Vaani, showcases the actor singing for the actress inside a car stuck in traffic on a rainy London evening. Towards the end of the teaser, Vaani asks him, “Are you flirting with me?” to which Fawad responds, “Do you want me to?”
In October 2024, it was reported that Fawad and Vaani were shooting in London for the romantic comedy. The shooting commenced on September 29, 2024, in the picturesque backdrop of London and was announced by production house Indian Stories.
Abir Gulaal has been shot in the UK. It is scheduled to hit the big screens on May 9, 2025.
The film is directed by Aarti S Bagdi. She had earlier said, “The film explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence.”
The producers had said, “Fawad has a massive global fan base, and we anticipate that audiences and his fans will wholeheartedly embrace this film, as it showcases him in his most endearing role yet. The chemistry between Fawad and Vaani is expected to light up the screen with their captivating performances and undeniable charm.”
It was in 2014, when Fawad, one of Pakistan’s biggest stars, made his debut in Indian cinema with the Sonam Kapoor-starrer Khoobsurat, a romantic comedy drama by Shashanka Ghosh. He also starred in Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra’s 2016 family drama Kapoor & Sons. His last big film with Bollywood was Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, also starring Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma.
Ban on Pakistani celebs from working in India
Pakistani artists were banned from working in India following the 2019 Pulwama attack. The ban was lifted in 2023, and in 2024, Fawad Khan announced the Indian release of his Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt, the highest-grossing film in Pakistan’s history.
However, the film faced strong opposition from several political parties in india, leading theatre owners and distributors to withdraw its release.
