Fawad Khan’s anticipated return to Bollywood with the romantic comedy Abir Gulaal has been met with significant opposition following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. The attack, which claimed at least 26 lives, mostly tourists, has reignited tensions between India and Pakistan, casting a shadow over the film’s scheduled release on May 9, 2025.
Indian film organizations, political groups, and netizens have intensified calls for a boycott of the film, targeting Khan’s Pakistani nationality, while the actor has publicly condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims.
The Pahalgam Attack and Its Fallout
The terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group India links to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The assailants reportedly targeted tourists based on their religious identity, amplifying public outrage in India. The Indian government accused Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism,” a claim Pakistan denied.
In response, India suspended provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Attari border’s Integrated Check Post, and reduced the Pakistani High Commission’s staff in New Delhi. These diplomatic measures have fueled nationalist sentiment, with Khan’s film becoming a focal point of controversy.
Khan, known for his roles in Bollywood hits like Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), took to Instagram Stories on April 23, 2025, to condemn the attack.
“Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time,”
he wrote.
His co-star, Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, also expressed grief, stating,
“Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.”
Despite these statements, the backlash against Abir Gulaal has only grown.
Film Industry’s Response: A Call for Boycott
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing over 500,000 film and television workers, issued a strong statement condemning the Pahalgam attack and reiterating its 2019 directive banning Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians from Indian productions.
“Despite this ongoing directive, we’ve been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film Abir Gulaal,” the FWICE stated. “In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects.
This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world.” The organization warned that any member or affiliate cooperating with Pakistani personnel would face disciplinary action and vowed to prevent the film’s release in India.
Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) and FWICE chief advisor, called the attack “an act of war against the nation.”
He criticized collaborations with Pakistani artists, stating, “They shoot bullets at us, and we’re playing bat and ball with them. The public is furious, and there will be consequences.” BN Tiwari, FWICE president, added, “We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers if they attempt to release the film.”
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party, has also opposed the film’s release in Maharashtra. MNS film wing head Ameya Khopkar declared, “No film featuring Pakistani artists will be released in Maharashtra.
We challenge the makers to release it.” This stance echoes previous controversies, such as the 2016 protests against Ae Dil Hai Mushkil following the Uri attack, which led to producer Karan Johar pledging not to work with Pakistani talent again.
Public Sentiment and Social Media Outrage
Social media platforms, particularly X, have seen a surge in boycott calls, with hashtags like #BoycottAbirGulaal trending. Netizens have expressed anger over the film’s timing, with some questioning the decision to cast a Pakistani actor amid heightened tensions.
One user wrote, “After the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam where Hindu tourists were killed based on their identity, it’s time to send a strong message. Abir Gulaal must not be allowed.” Another commented, “Fawad Khan is unlucky for India.
Whenever he stars in a Bollywood movie, the whole subcontinent catches fire.” Others criticized Vaani Kapoor for promoting the film overseas without addressing the attack initially, leading to trends like #BoycottVaaniKapoor.
However, some voices defend Khan, arguing that art should transcend political divides. Supporters point to a 2023 Bombay High Court ruling that dismissed efforts to impose an official ban on Pakistani artists, suggesting no legal basis for the boycott.
Actress Dia Mirza, in an interview conducted before the attack, expressed hope that Khan’s return would foster creative exchanges, though she later condemned the attack separately.
The Film and Its Uncertain Future
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is a romantic comedy set in London, produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. The film marks Khan’s first Bollywood project in nine years, following an unofficial absence of Pakistani artists from Indian cinema since the 2016 Uri attack. Despite its lighthearted narrative, the film has faced opposition since its teaser release on April 1, 2025, with the Pahalgam attack amplifying calls for its cancellation.
The controversy surrounding Abir Gulaal reflects broader India-Pakistan tensions, with Khan caught in a geopolitical storm. While his condemnation of the attack demonstrates empathy, it has done little to quell the boycott movement.
The film’s release remains uncertain, with industry bodies and political groups determined to block its screening. As public sentiment hardens, Abir Gulaal risks becoming another casualty of strained bilateral relations, raising questions about the role of art in times of conflict.
Myself Aditya and I am from Mumbai, India. As an intern, I joined the local news agency in Mumbai named “The Mumbai News”. Now I am working with various News Agencies and I provide them reports from Mumbai and other parts of India.
