Netizens’ call for ban on 'Abir Gulaal' intensifies amid Pahalgam attack outrage

The upcoming Hindi film Abir Gulaal, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, has become a subject of widespread controversy following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, has triggered fresh outrage on social media, with many users demanding that the film be pulled from release schedules.

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 9. So far, a couple of assets have also been released and especially, the first song has garnered a lot of love.

However, amid rising tensions and emotions, several social media users have taken a strong stance against the film's release, citing Fawad Khan's nationality as the primary reason for their opposition. One user wrote, “Abir Gulaal will not be allowed to release in any theatre in India.” Another questioned, “Are we still going to allow movies like Abir Gulaal to be made in India with Pakistani actors?”

One tweet noted, “Last time it was Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.. just a week before its release, the Uri attack happened. Now, Pehalgam happened around 10 days before the release of Abir Gulaal. Both of the incidents are too much of a coincidence.. or maybe Fawad Khan ki kismat hi footi hai.”

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The debate online has also brought up comparisons with past events. Social media users pointed out similarities between the current situation and the aftermath of the 2016 Uri attack. One tweet noted, “Last time it was Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.. just a week before its release, the Uri attack happened. Now, Pehalgam happened around 10 days before the release of Abir Gulaal. Both of the incidents are too much of a coincidence.. or maybe Fawad Khan ki kismat hi footi hai.”

Abir Gulaal is believed to be a cross-border romantic narrative, and the inclusion of a Pakistani actor has reignited political and cultural tensions. Earlier this month, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) voiced its opposition to the film, reiterating its earlier stance on barring Pakistani artists from Indian projects. The party has warned theatre owners and distributors not to screen the film, citing concerns related to national sentiment and the broader geopolitical climate.

While some voices are advocating for artistic freedom, others argue that cultural collaboration cannot be separated from national security concerns. With less than a month to go before its planned release, the film's fate remains uncertain as calls for an official response grow louder.