Just a week before it was to hit the theatres on May 9, the release of Abir Gulaal, led by Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, was called off in light of the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Over three months on, Aarti S Bagdi’s directorial venture, now spelled Aabeer Gulaal, is set to arrive in theatres on August 29. But there’s a catch — its India release remains off the table. The romantic drama, produced by Vivek B Agrawal and India Stories Limited, will screen across cinemas in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and the Middle East. 

After the Pahalgam terror attack in April, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) called for a boycott of Pakistani artistes working in India and announced that they would block Aabeer Gulaal’s release. Now, the makers of the romantic drama — which was to mark Khan’s return to the big screen in India nine years after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) — are bypassing a release on home turf due to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan.

A trade source reveals, “The film has not yet been picked up by any Indian streaming platform. In today’s scenario where digital rights sales often provide major revenue, this is unusual. A streaming debut in India is not in the offing.”

The love story’s rollout remains uncertain across the border, even as Diljit Dosanjh’s Punjabi movie Sardaar Ji 3 performed exceptionally well in the market. We’ve heard that Aabeer Gulaal has yet to be granted certification from Pakistan’s three provincial certification boards — the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC), the Punjab Film Censor Board (PFCB), and the Sindh Board of Film Censors (SBFC).

When mid-day reached out to Nadeem Mandviwalla, a leading distributor in Pakistan, he was optimistic about its release.

He said, “A preliminary NOC has not been issued so far. Once that is done, it will go to the Pakistan censor bodies. The movies should run. People want to fight over entertainment, but only artistes end up losing in it. We were happy with the response to Sardaar Ji 3, which is the second-highest grosser in Pakistan after The Legend of Maula Jatt [2022]. We will try our best to release Aabeer Gulaal too.” Meanwhile, it has been submitted to the British Board of Film Classification. Trade insiders predict that the Middle East will be its strongest market.

mid-day reached out to Aabeer Gulaal’s makers, who confirmed that it will be released in cinemas around the globe, with the exception of India.

Vaani Kapoor has had a successful run in 2025 so far with her theatrical hit Raid 2. Now, she’s set to explore a new territory, the world of OTT, with Mandala Murders. While the actor admits feeling nervous about the shift, she’s equally excited to delve into long-format storytelling, which she believes allows her to explore her character in greater depth.

“I was very intrigued by the long format because it gives you much more room as an actor,” she says, adding, “You can explore more nuances, add more layers and really dive deep into the character. In films, you only get 2-3 hours to build an arc, establish it and layer everything in that time.”

In Mandala Murders, Vaani plays a detective, a role often associated with toughness. Ask her what influenced her to take up the role, and she points to films such as Mardaani (2014) for inspiration.

“I also wanted to bring a sense of realness and relatability to my character. She’s not just strong — she’s also vulnerable, fighting her own demons while trying to excel at her job. She’s a fighter from within, like most women, who carry incredible inner strength,” she ends.

Earlier this year, Vaani’s film Abir Gulaal, which was set to mark the Bollywood comeback of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, faced an unexpected roadblock when it was banned in India following the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

Breaking her silence on the controversy, Vaani says, “When we shot the film, the environment was very different... The producers ensured that every single permission was in place, and all legal protocols were followed. We are law-abiding citizens, and speaking for myself — half my family comes from an Army background. I’ve grown up watching my loved ones serve the country. I understand, on a very personal level, what sacrifice and duty to the nation truly mean,” she says.

Talking about social media backlash, Vaani adds, “I’m not here to prove how patriotic I am to people online. That’s not a benchmark.”

She further adds, “Nobody involved in the making of Abir Gulaal had any intent to hurt anyone’s sentiments. The film was made to spread love, unfortunately all it received was hate. But once the attacks happened, we fully respected and understood the mood of the nation. Not a single member of the team attempted to go against the law. The nation’s sentiment has always come first for all of us.”

In a statement on Instagram, singer Mika Singh criticised Diljit and wrote, “Desh Pehle (Nation First): Guys, as we all know, the relationship between India and Pakistan isn’t going well right now. Yet some people continue to act irresponsibly. Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice – especially when our nation’s dignity is involved.”

He added, “There was a film featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor that many of us opposed, and yet, some still don’t seem to get the message. What’s more shocking is that a fake singer, after doing ten shows in India with thousands of fans buying tickets, has now disappeared – leaving fans betrayed and helpless.”

In a lengthy post on Instagram, CEO of Ripple Effect Studios Sonali Singh, who has been managing the artiste, wrote how “Diljit has chosen to respect the sentiments of the Indian public and authorities and is not releasing the film in India, standing in alignment with the nation’s current mood.”

Excerpts from her post: This recent wave of criticism surrounding his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji, due to the presence of a Pakistani co-star, is both disheartening and unfair especially considering the timing and the nature of the project. The film was shot long before the current political climate intensified.

What hurts the most is this: On one hand, the global media celebrates him as the first Indian to perform at Coachella, to appear on Jimmy Fallon carrying his traditional identity, to walk the Met Gala carrying his culture & roots. And every single time, he proudly carries India with him.

But on the other hand, in his own country how quickly we forget. How conveniently we celebrate him when he puts India on the map, and how easily we trash him when the narrative turns. Does anyone think this doesn’t break his heart? Does anyone imagine how demoralizing it is to fight for visibility as a brown Indian artiste on the world stage and still have to fight for belonging in India? Diljit is the same man who: Was addressed by the honorable Prime Minister as “Bharat ke gaon ka beta”, a recognition of what he truly represents. Cancelled a major US show overnight when FWICE requested knowing it would cost him crores and invite a two-year legal battle in a foreign country. He handled it all silently and respectfully, without retaliation. The damage was personal and he bore it alone. Chose to stand by his producers not to protect himself, but to protect the families behind the film.

(Diljit) carries the Indian flag on his shoulders, proudly, as he leads the wave that’s transforming India’s live entertainment economy with authenticity, humility, and unmatched pride. Helped lift regional cinema especially Punjabi onto the global map. And now, that same man is being dragged down by a manufactured storm.

Sardaar Ji 3’s team also issued a clarification in a post on Instagram, stating that the film was shot before the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. “Sardaar ji 3 was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artiste was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune,” they wrote.

Addressing the film, which is set for an overseas-only release, Diljit said in a BBC Asian Network interview, “Jab yeh film bani thi tab toh situation sab theek tha. Humnein shoot kiya tha February mein. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India toh nahi lagegi, toh isko overseas release karte hain . Unka (producers) bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi. Unke dimag mein hai ki loss toh hoga hi kyuki ek territory aap minus kar rahe ho. Maine bhi jab film sign ki thi tab sab theek tha. Ab situation hamare haath mein hai nahi. Toh bahar release karna chahte hai toh main saath hoon.”

-----------------------------------------

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh is facing heat for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3. With tensions high after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, and a renewed ban on Pakistani artistes, calls to boycott the film and Diljit are intensifying.

The makers have clarified that the film will not release in India, and Diljit, who also co-produced it, has now broken his silence. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, he said many decisions were out of his control and backed the producers’ call for an overseas release: “Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in February... Uske baad, bahut saari badi cheezein humare haath mein nahi hai. Producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India mein toh nahin lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain. Producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahin. They know there will be a loss because you’re removing an entire territory. Even when I signed the film, everything was fine. Now the situation is not in our hands. So, if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them.”

The makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have released a statement that echoes Diljit’s remarks: “This is to bring to everyone’s kind notice that the film named Sardaar Ji 3 was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now, and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.”

The note further read, “We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune”.

“When an entire country is against that nation, you cherry-pick a Pakistani actor. You are trying to be arrogant, trying to be careless about the emotions of this country. That is why FWICE has taken note of it. Diljit has not responded and condemned what this actress [Hania] has spoken about Operation Sindoor and our country,” says Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).

Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of FWICE, disputes Diljit and the makers’ claim that the film will face major financial losses if it is not released. He emphasizes that the federation holds no personal grudge against Diljit but insists that the call for action is in the country’s best interest. He says, “Film ka foreign mein shoot hua hai, Pakistan ke 4-5 artiste hain, aur Diljit itne bade star hain, to paise to lagenge. Agar paise itne hai, to hum chanda ikatha kara sakte hai aur India se de denge. India mein bohot patriotic.”

Singer Mika has called Diljit irresponsible for working with a Pakistani actor. On Insta Stories, the singer asserted that India’s interests should come first, given the strained Indo-Pak relations. He wrote, “Before releasing any content involving artists from across the border, they should think twice — especially when our nation’s dignity is at stake.”

He also referenced Abir Gulaal — starring actor Fawad Khan, which was denied a theatrical release in India amid controversy — saying it should have served as a lesson for Diljit before choosing to work with Hania.

Sonali Singh has defended him. Part of her Insta post read, “In a career spanning over two decades, Diljit Dosanjh has become a cultural icon not only for India but for the global stage. Yet, time and again, he has been placed under the scanner, especially as a proud Sikh, a Punjabi, and an artist who has chosen to represent India with quiet pride rather than loud declarations. Despite being repeatedly targeted, Diljit has never resorted to outrage. His consistent message in interviews, music, films, and public appearances has always been rooted in love, unity, and kindness.”

Inputs by Yashika Mathur

There was a lot of anticipation around Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor-starrer Abir Gulaal, and its music caught attention too. The film was initially slated for a May 9 release, but was later blocked following the Pahalgam attack and ensuing India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions.

But composer Amit Trivedi, who worked on the film’s soundtrack and also attended its music launch in Dubai last month, doesn’t regret the film getting stalled. “The decision [to not release it] was taken keeping India first and I am in support of it completely,” Amit tells us, exclusively.

As a music maker, who invests a lot of time and effort in putting together the soundtrack of a project, does it prick when the project doesn’t see the light of the day? “Yes, it hurts. And it’s not just about this film. I work on all my projects with a lot of honesty and hard work, and they become a part of me. So, when a project gets stalled, it’s bound to disappoint you. We make music for the audience, and as artistes, that’s all you want (your music to reach the fans). But in this case, the scenario was very different. My country comes first, above everything else,” says Amit.

Meanwhile, he is set to perform a charity concert in Mumbai tomorrow to raise funds for cancer survivors. “I associate with such causes whenever an opportunity presents itself. Cancer treatment is very expensive and this is my way of doing my bit,” he ends.

New Delhi: The highly anticipated release of 'Abir Gulaal', marking the return of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan to Indian cinema, has been thrown into jeopardy following the terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people has reignited public anger and sparked renewed demands for a boycott of Pakistani talent in Indian films.

Information and broadcasting ministry sources have indicated that govt may not permit the film's release, reflecting a hardened stance amid escalating tensions. The backlash has also spilled over into the entertainment industry, with several theatre owners and film distributors expressing reluctance to screen the film, fearing public unrest and possible protests.

This is not the first time Khan has faced controversy over cross-border tensions. In 2016, after the Uri attack, Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' - which also featured Khan - faced intense backlash, prompting the director to issue a public apology and commit to refraining from casting Pakistani actors.

'Abir Gulaal' was scheduled for release on May 9. However, its theatrical debut in India now appears increasingly uncertain. On social media, calls for a ban on the film gained traction, with hashtags such as #BoycottAbirGulaal trending.

Indian Film and Television Directors' Association president Ashoke Pandit condemned the timing of the film's release. "This was an act of war. National interest must come before artistic collaboration," he said, downplaying arguments around creative freedom.

Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of Federation of Western India Cine Employees, said the film would not be allowed to screen in India. "If makers proceed, we will take action," he said.

-------------------------------------------

Film Abir Gulaal, which was to be Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s comeback vehicle to Bollywood, has run into major trouble. As per sources, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has blocked the film’s release in India in light of the terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. On Thursday, two tracks from the film — Khudaya Ishq and Angrezi Rangrasiya — were removed from YouTube India.

Wednesday saw boycott calls for the film trending among federation heads and social media. Earlier this month, its teaser had drawn ire from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam.

The film was originally scheduled to release on May 9. Trade expert Atul Mohan says, “Sunne mein aa hi raha tha ki film release nahin ho payegi. The mood of the nation is so tense, this was bound to happen.”

Amit Sharma, MD of Miraj cinemas, says that as an exhibitor, his team “stands with the nation”. He adds, “The government is taking a call not to have any relationship with the country (Pakistan), so there is no point in us screening the film here. Looking at the situation, I had not thought that we would have released the film in any case.”

A special screening of Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa-starrer Phule, scheduled for Wednesday in Delhi with Maharashtra state minister Ramdas Athawale in attendance, was cancelled. Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan condemned the act on X: “In the wake of this horrific terror attack, our hearts are with the victims and families. We stand united in our commitment to peace, resilience, and humanity. Violence will never silence the voice of compassion or break the strength of a country that stands together as we mourn.” The upcoming film is based on the lives of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule.

Upcoming film Abir Gulaal has already courted controversy over the casting of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. In the wake of the attack, boycott calls for the film, which also stars Vaani Kapoor, began trending on X.

Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), tells us, “We as a federation have requested with folded hands to not encourage Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artiste, community... People think, ‘Agar mere ghar ka aadmi nahin mara toh f**k it, I don’t care’. (But) if this film’s heroine or makers’ family members had been shot by the terrorists, they won’t have worked (with Fawad)... Ultimately, it is nation first.”

Ashoke is also critical of cricketers playing matches with Pakistan in Dubai, like the Champion’s Trophy match earlier this year: “Woh bandook se maar rahe hain, aur hum bat ball ke saath khel rahe hain unke saath. Things have reached a saturation point. Public naraaz hai, aur baahar nikalke maaregi cricketers, artistes, aur singers ko. We will issue an order that anyone who works with a Pakistani artiste will be boycotted by the industry.”

Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), makes it clear, “We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers.”

After the teaser of Abir Gulaal dropped earlier this month, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) opposed its release, condemning Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after nine years. Amid the tension, the makers of the love story, also starring Vaani Kapoor, are carrying out the promotions as scheduled, ahead of its May 9 release. We’ve heard that the film’s music will be launched at Global Village in Dubai on April 19, with the leads in attendance. Amit Trivedi, who has composed the film’s soundtrack, will perform at the event.

We’re told Dubai was on the table right when the promotional plan was being drawn up. A source associated with Aarti S Bagdi’s directorial venture tells us, “The team anticipated the risk of backlash in India ever since Fawad came on board. Dubai is the obvious choice for promotions. It’s a neutral ground, has a strong diaspora presence, and Fawad is popular there. Music is a key aspect of Abir Gulaal. They wanted to go big on the music before launching the trailer.”

The music launch is being designed as a concert of sorts, with Trivedi performing select tracks from the movie. Another insider says, “It won’t be a ticketed event; it will be open to the public who have paid the entry fee for Global Village.”

Khan has been missing from the big screens in India since 2016, when the Indian industry stopped collaborating with Pakistani artistes in the aftermath of the Uri attack. While the Punjab release of his Pakistani film, The Legend Of Maula Jatt (2022), was cancelled last year, the actor’s series, Barzakh (2024), premièred on Zee5.

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is set to return to Hindi cinema with Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, nine years after his last release, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Pakistani artistes were banned in India following the 2016 Uri attacks. In 2023, the Bombay High Court ruled against a petition that aimed to ban Pakistani artistes from working or performing in India. However, the industry and some political bodies are against the comeback of artistes from Pakistan.

Sandeep Deshpande, city chief, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), told us, “Our stand is very clear. We will not entertain any movie that has Pakistani artistes. And if such a film is released, we will agitate the MNS way.”

Ameya Khopkar, a spokesperson for MNS, wrote on X, “Humein aaj hi iss film ke release ki jaankari mili. Lekin hum saaf taur par yeh keh rahe hain ki hum iss film ko Maharashtra mein release nahin hone denge.”

We reached out to producer Vivek B Agrawal and Vaani’s team, but there was no response till the time of going to press.

“We are still facing attacks by Pakistan. This is insensitive on the part of certain people in this industry. If they keep supporting Pakistanis, the federation will work out a system in which they will have to suffer a backlash. We can’t do anything legally, but we are contemplating action against the Indians and artistes who have worked on this film, including the heroine (actor Vaani Kapoor), by issuing a non-cooperation diktat.”

“Fawad Khan se dushmani nahin hai, Pakistani artistes se hai. We strongly oppose this film, and if our artistes work with them, we will stop them. Now that this film has been shot, we will issue a letter to the Indians involved in the project.”

“There are strong objections from my side. There are terrorist activities happening in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past too, Pakistan has caused so much damage to India. The film industry does not see the morally wrong side of this. We should just be honest to our soldiers and say, ‘Your life doesn’t matter’... We are fooling them when we make a film with Fawad Khan.”

Those looking forward to watching Fawad Khan’s The Legend Of Maula Jatt (2022) were disappointed when the film’s India release was stalled again this October. But it looks like we’ll see the actor on the big screen in 2025. mid-day has learnt that Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s romantic comedy, Abir Gulaal, has been wrapped up and director Aarti S Bagdi is now readying it for a theatrical release. The film will mark the Pakistani actor’s return to Hindi cinema almost nine years after his last Bollywood offering, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).

Sources tell us that beginning late September, the rom-com was shot in a straight schedule in London. The story revolves around two emotionally wounded people who inadvertently help each other heal.

A source from the unit reveals, “Abir Gulaal borrows its name from its lead characters. Fawad plays Abir, a London-based Indian chef, and Vaani, Gulaal, a traditional woman from Jaipur. The shoot began from September 29, with Aarti having planned a 40-day start-to-finish schedule. Filming was wrapped up in 37 days, as Vaani, Fawad and the supporting cast—including Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Parmeet Sethi and Soni Razdan—were well-prepped. Initially the plan was to shoot a few scenes in Mumbai, but eventually, the entire shoot was conducted in London as the story is set against the British capital. Every technician, including designer Sheetal Sharma, was hand-picked from India. Now, the post-production is underway. A part of Fawad’s dubbing is left; that will be done online.”

Producer Vivek B Agrawal, who has been part of Udta Punjab (2016) and Vikram Vedha (2022), is aiming for a theatrical release between early and mid-2025. It may be noted that collaborations with Pakistani artistes had come to a grinding halt in Bollywood after the Uri attack in 2016. However, in October 2023, the Bombay High Court rejected a petition to ban cross-border collaborations, observing that doing so would be a step backward in promoting peace, unity, and cultural harmony. The makers are optimistic that Abir Gulaal, which is an Indian production, will have a smooth journey to the cinemas.