Pahalgam terror attack: Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal faces boycott calls from Film Federation; 'Have requested with folded hands...'
Amid Pahalgam terror attack, Fawad Khan's Bollywood comeback movie, Abir Gulaal has faced boycott calls from the Film Federation. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on May 9.
Last Updated: 08.24 AM, Apr 24, 2025
Abir Gulaal marks the Bollywood comeback movie of Fawad Khan. However, the film has been facing controversy since the day it was announced. It escalated following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on Tuesday, April 22, where four terrorists opened fire, killing 26 people, mostly tourists. Social media has already called for a ban on the film's release, and now the Film Federation has also done the same due to the casting of Pakistani actor Fawad.
Film Federation on Abir Gulaal release
Amid the Pahalgam terror attack, Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, raised objections to Fawad Khan's film, Abir Gulaal's release. He said that this incident is an act of war against the nation, and it isn’t the first time, as these attacks have been ongoing for 30 years.
"We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. People think ‘agar mere ghar ka aadmi nahi mara toh f**k it, I don’t care’, but if this film’s heroine or makers’ family members had been shot by the terrorist, they wouldn’t have worked (with Fawad)," he added.
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On the other hand, BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), shared, “We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers (if they release the film).”
Social media calls for boycott of Abir Gulaal
Meanwhile, Abir Gulaal faced boycott calls on social media. "Still in favor of Pakistani actors in Indian cinema? Are we still going to allow movies like Abir Gulaal to be made in India with Pakistani actors?" read a tweet.
More about Abir Gulaal
Abir Gulaal tells the love story of Abir (played by Fawad Khan) and Gulaal (played by Vaani Kapoor), who are a restaurant owner and a chef, respectively. It shows their journey of healing and growth while exploring their love for each other.
Meanwhile, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is scheduled to hit theatres on May 9, 2025.