The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is set to ban the release of Abir Gulaal starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor. Ameya Khopkar, MNS spokesperson, told Dainik Bhaskar that they only came to know about the film’s release when the makers announced it.
He said MNS will not allow Abir Gulaal to be released in the state of Maharashtra because it features a Pakistani actor. Khopkar added that they will not allow such films to be released in the state. Sanjay Nirupam, Shiv Sena leader, highlighted the sentiments of widespread hatred for Pakistan in India. He said when a film from Pakistan is released, Indian audiences do not prefer watching it. “Even if a few people watch the film out of curiosity, Pakistani artists have never been able to gain widespread success in India.”
Nirupam believes that the decision on whether Pakistani films should be released in India or if their artists should be allowed to work here must be made by the government.
‘Abir Gulaal’ Made By Indian Director
However, Abir Gulaal is not a Pakistani film. Its directed by Aarti S Bagdi of Chalti Rahe Zindagi (2024) fame and produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens and Aarjay Pictures. The teaser of Abir Gulaal was released on April 1.
Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan’s latest film is a romantic drama. In the teaser, Khan hums a few lines from the song Kuch Naa Kaho as Vaani Kapoor smiles at him. The Indian actress of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021) fame asks Fawab whether he was flirting with her. He replies “Do you want me to?” The film has been shot in the picturesque streets of London. The teaser gives a peek at the storyline – unexpected turns, tender moments and pure magic.
Abir Gulaal is Fawad Khan’s first Bollywood film since Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil which was released in 2016. Pakistani actors faced an unofficial ban on working in Indian films because of the 2016 Uri terror attack. Fawad Khan has worked in several Bollywood films – Khoobsurat (2014), and Kapoor & Sons (2016).
