Fawad Khan Movie Ban: IFTDA President Slams Abir Gulaal Release After Pahalgam Terror Attack

The upcoming film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan alongside Vaani Kapoor, is under fire after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The teaser of the film, which was released on April 1, had already sparked some criticism. But after the tragic incident in Pahalgam where four terrorists opened fire and killed 26 people — most of them tourists — the situation turned more serious, leading to loud boycott calls against the film.

Voices from within the Indian entertainment industry have now stepped forward, urging people to reject the film. One of the most vocal among them is Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association. Reacting sharply, he said, “This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn’t the first time... these attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis.” He also criticised the justification many give in support of cross-border art collaborations, calling them “bulls**t reasons like artist, community.”*

He didn't hold back in expressing public anger. “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 strongly.

Ashoke Pandit also criticised Indian cricketers and artists for continuing to engage with Pakistani counterparts abroad. “People from our country go to London and Dubai to perform with Pakistani artists, same with cricket. Bol do nahi khelna cricket! Woh bandook se maar rahe hain, aur hum bat ball ke saath khel rahe hain unke saath,” he said. He warned that if things continue like this, the public may take matters into their own hands, “Public naraaz hai, aur bahar nikalke maaregi cricketers, artists, aur singers ko.”

Adding to the protest, BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, made his stance clear. “We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers (if they release the film),” he said.

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is set for release on May 9, but its future remains uncertain amid rising backlash.