After months of speculation, shifting release dates, and political controversy, Fawad Khan’s highly anticipated Bollywood comeback film Abir Gulaal is finally set for a global theatrical release—except in India, where a ban on Pakistani artists remains in effect.
According to a report by Biz Asia, the film is slated for worldwide release on August 29, with a grand premiere scheduled overseas. However, the release will not include Indian cinemas. Another Indian media report confirms that Abir Gulaal will hit screens in over 75 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi, Abir Gulaal is positioned as a cross-cultural romantic comedy exploring the chemistry between Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor. The film is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures, and co-produced by Vivek B Agarwal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.
In the film, Fawad plays the role of a UK-based chef, starring opposite Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor. The supporting cast includes Lisa Hayden, Ridhi Dogra, Parmeet Sethi, and veteran actress Farida Jalal.
Originally scheduled for release on May 9, Abir Gulaal was delayed amid political tensions and industry pushback. Its release in India remains blocked due to a longstanding ban on Pakistani artists, implemented by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) following the Pulwama attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April.
“Many trade organisations, including All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), also pressed for a ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry.”
As a result of this stance, both Sardaar Ji 3, which starred Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, and Abir Gulaal, featuring Fawad Khan in the lead, faced release barriers in India.
The film has generated considerable excitement among fans, particularly because it marks Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after nine years. He first made his Bollywood debut in 2014 with Khoobsurat opposite Sonam Kapoor, and went on to appear in Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil—his last Indian film before the 2016 ban on Pakistani artists.
As Abir Gulaal prepares for its international rollout, fans across the globe eagerly await Fawad’s much-anticipated return to the big screen, albeit outside Indian borders.
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