The upcoming film ‘Abir Gulal’, which has a lead role of Pakistani actor Shoutad Khan, will not see a release in Indian cinemas. PTI quoted sources in the Ministry of I & B as saying that the film, including Vaani Kapoor, would not be allowed to be released in India. The film was scheduled for a release on 9 May. The decision came in view of increased public outrage after the recent terrorist attack at Kashmir’s initiative, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
No official statement has been issued by the ministry yet.
Sources in the Ministry of I & B say that the film ‘Abir Gulal’ starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan will not be allowed to be released in India. pic.twitter.com/tjxcuw74g2
– Press Trust of India (@PTI_NEWS) 24 April, 2025
Fawad Khan condemns Pahalgam terror attack
Meanwhile, Fawad Khan took on Instagram on Wednesday and expressed grief over the incident in which many people lost their lives. Fawad wrote in his Instagram story, “Hearing the news of the heinous attack in Pahgam was deeply saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific incident, and we pray for strength and treatment for their families in this difficult time.”
Also Read: Pakistani stars Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir and Mavra Hocain condemned Pahgam terrorist attack
Abir Gulal banned issues
His statement came soon after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) strengthened all Pakistani artists from banning them from participating in Indian entertainment projects. In a new instruction released on Wednesday, the film Workers Body declared a complete boycott of Pakistani actors, singers and technicians, especially after the Pahgam attack.
“Despite the ongoing instructions, we have been conveyed to the Hindi film Abir Gulal with recent cooperation with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan,” said Fwis. “In the light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWIC is once again forced to release a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performance or collaborations in the world.”
FWICE, which implemented a similar ban in 2019 after the Pulwama attack earlier, also warned of disciplinary action against those working with Pakistani citizens in the film industry and working.
Wani Kapoor reacted to the attack
Wanni Kapoor, who acted contrary to Fawad in the film, also reacted to the Pahgam attack. Sharing his feelings on social media, he wrote, “Since the attack on innocent people in Pahgam has become numb on the loss of words.
Earlier this month, Maharashtra Navneman Sena (MNS) issued a strict warning about the release of the film in the state. Repeating their long -standing stance against Pakistani actors working in Indian cinema, the party urged distributors and theater owners to avoid supporting the film.
