Abir Gulaal Release in India: Political Tensions Threaten Film’s Fate

The Bollywood romantic comedy Abir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, is set for a worldwide release on August 29, 2025, but its release in India remains in doubt. The film has faced intense scrutiny due to the recent Pahalgam attack and the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. While the movie initially created excitement among Indian fans for Fawad Khan's return to the big screen, rising nationalist sentiments have led some to believe that it should not be released in India.

The makers of Abir Gulaal have attempted to bypass distribution restrictions using a loophole, allowing for its global release. However, the situation remains uncertain for India, with several nationalist groups warning of consequences if the film is screened in Indian theaters. The controversy surrounding the film continues to grow, and the makers have anticipated this backlash, knowing the political climate could affect its release.

This situation is not unique. A similar controversy arose with Sardaar Ji 3, a film starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Amir. While it was released in Pakistan, Canada and the USA, it was not shown in India. In light of these ongoing issues, many industry experts and online users have suggested that Abir Gulaal should consider a direct OTT release to avoid further political tensions and reach a broader global audience without the complications of theatrical release in India.