Know about ‘Abir Gulaal’, film with Pakistani actor that won't be released in India

The Hindi movie Abir Gulaal starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan will reportedly not be allowed to release in Indian theatres, amid public outrage at the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that took the lives of 26 tourists.

What is the story line?

Abir Gulaal is a cross-border romantic comedy featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor who fall in love with each other gradually.

The movie revolves around two wounded souls brought together by chance who find solace in each other’s company. The two main characters slowly develop a profound connection that blossoms into love.

Gulaal Bajaj (Vaani Kapoor) wants to be free from the constraints imposed by her father and aspires to be independent. She wins a culinary competition and is offered the position of chef at “The Rasoe”, a famous restaurant in London owned by Abir Singh (Fawad Khan), a man with whom she has been acquainted with but had some difficult encounters.

Also Read: Pahalgam attack: Release of Pakistani actor Fawad's 'Abir Gulaal' uncertain

Gulaal comes to know that her father had asked Abir to ensure her well-being in London. Abir helps Gulaal tide over professional and personal problems though their frequent encounters are filled with tension and conflict.

Their relationship slowly evolves from mutual antagonism to a stage where they become romantically involved.

The film also stars Lisa Haydon, Soni Razdan, Farida Jalal, and Ridhi Dogra.

Who is behind the film?

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, the cinematography is by Tribhuvan Babu Sadineni, while the music director is Amit Trivedi.

The producers of the movie are Vivek B Agrawal, Rakesh Sippy, and Avantika Hari, and the production house is Aarjay Pictures.

The film was shot mostly in London, and was slated for release on May 9.

Who is Fawad Khan?

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was born in Karachi and belongs to a Pashtun family. His father was born in Patiala, while his mother was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. His family moved to Pakistan after the Partition.

Fawad has acted in popular Hindi movies like Kapoor and Sons, Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Khoobsurat starring Sonam Kapoor.

He has also been a part of TV serials like Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar.

Also Read: India release of Fawad Khan-starrer Pak film ‘Legend of Maula Jatt’ put on hold

In 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition to officially ban Pakistani artistes from working in India, saying, “Arts, music, sports, culture, dance, and so on are the activities which rise above nationalities, cultures, and nations, and truly bring about peace, tranquillity, unity, and harmony in nation and between nations.”

Abir Gulaal was a “comeback film” for Fawad after the official ban on Pakistani artistes in 2016 after the terrorist attack in Uri.

How did they react to the attack?

Fawad Khan condemned the terror attack in a post on Instagram and expressed grief over the incident.

“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,” Fawad wrote in his Instagram Story.

Also Read: MNS to oppose release of 'Abir Gulaal' film featuring Pakistani actor

Vaani Kapoor also took to Instagram to share her grief over the terrible incident.

“Have been numb, at a loss for words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families,” Vaani shared on Instagram.