Abir Gulaal Banned in Both India and Pakistan: Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s Film Stuck Amid Border Tensions
In what was initially celebrated as a milestone in cinematic diplomacy, the much-awaited Hindi film Abir Gulaal —an Indo-Pak collaborative drama starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor—has now landed in a political and cultural storm. The film, which was scheduled for a summer 2025 theatrical release, has been banned in both India and Pakistan, rendering its future uncertain.
A Film Caught Between Borders
Abir Gulaal marked a rare and bold attempt at bridging the emotional and historical ties between India and Pakistan. With Fawad Khan, one of Pakistan’s most adored actors, and Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor playing the leads, the film promised a heartfelt narrative grounded in the shared experiences of people divided by politics but united by culture and emotions.
But following the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed several lives and intensified military activity along the Line of Control, political tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated. In response to public sentiment and nationalistic rhetoric, India’s censor board halted the film’s release, citing national security concerns over the lead actor’s Pakistani origin.
Digital Footprint Wiped Clean
Not only was Abir Gulaal denied a theatrical release in India, but its trailers, songs, and promotional content were also abruptly pulled from YouTube and major Indian platforms. Music labels distanced themselves, and digital campaign promotions were suspended indefinitely.
Ironically, Pakistan followed suit soon after. In retaliation, Pakistan’s film board decided to ban the film domestically, claiming they could not support a movie featuring an Indian lead actress—Vaani Kapoor—especially in the wake of rising Indo-Pak hostility.
No Country for Cinema?
The film industry, especially indie producers and artists, had high hopes that Abir Gulaal would carve a new path for artistic collaboration beyond borders. But now, with bans from both countries, even a Netflix release is uncertain. According to insiders, producers are considering direct OTT release deals, but the diplomatic sensitivities may even hinder a global platform like Netflix from taking the risk.
A Story That Deserves To Be Seen
What makes the situation even more heartbreaking is that Abir Gulaal isn’t just a star-driven film—it tells a poignant love story deeply rooted in Indo-Pak history, drawing emotional parallels between divided families, partition trauma, and forbidden love. The script, insiders say, moved even studio executives to tears during its first reading.
If there was ever a film made for audiences on both sides of the border, it was Abir Gulaal. Sadly, politics may now keep it locked away forever.
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