Will Fawad Khan's Abir Gulal Release On May 9? Complete Timeline From Teaser Launch To Controversy
photoDetails english
After the brutal Pahalgam terror attack, the Fawad Khan-starrer Abir Gulal has found itself in hot water. According to a report by Indian Express, the movie featuring the Pakistani actor will not be released. Here's a complete timeline of the controversy. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/entertainment/will-fawad-khan-s-abir-gulal-release-on-may-9-complete-timeline-from-teaser-launch-to-controversy-2891987 Updated:Apr 27, 2025, 02:57 PM IST Teaser Sparked Excitement
1 / 7
The teaser of the rom-com, which shows the Pakistani actor alongside Vaani Kapoor, created massive buzz as it marked the Bollywood comeback of the actor. In the teaser, Fawad is seen singing "Kuch Naa Kaho" from the movie 1942: A Love Story while sitting in a car on a rainy evening in London. Faces Opposition
2 / 7
Even before the heinous attack, the teaser of the movie, released on April 1, faced opposition from political parties such as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena due to the casting of the Pakistani actor. Pahalgam Attack
3 / 7
After terrorists backed by Lashkar-e-Taiba killed at least 26 civilians and injured many on April 22, objections against the release of the movie, scheduled for May 9, intensified. Songs Removed
4 / 7
Two songs from the movie—romantic song Khudaya Ishq and energetic number Angreji Rangrasiya—were removed from YouTube India. Both songs, which were earlier uploaded on Saregama's YouTube channel, were taken down. Another song, Tain Tain, which was supposed to release on Wednesday, was not released. Fawad Condemns
5 / 7
The actor, who was earlier criticized for his silence on the Pulwama attack during the release of his film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, condemned the attack in his Instagram story. "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," the actor wrote. #BoycottAbirGulaal Trending
6 / 7
The outrage and backlash against the release of the movie following the attack led to #BoycottAbirGulaal trending on social media platforms. Release Banned
7 / 7
The movie featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor has faced strong opposition from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which announced a complete ban on Pakistani artists working in India. An Indian Express report stated that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has banned the release of Abir Gulal.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Vivek Oberoi Joins Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Take A Look At Full Cast
Last Updated: The first part of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana will hit theatres on Diwali 2026. Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film Ramayana has been creating a buzz ever since it was announced. The movie will star Ranbir Kapoor in the lead. Set to release in two parts, the epic saga now has a new cast member. If the latest updates are to be believed, Vivek Oberoi has been roped in to play a pivotal role. The first instalment of the movie will arrive in theatres on Diwali 2026. As the film continues to make headlines, let's take a look at the star cast of Ramayana. Leading the talented ensemble cast is Ranbir Kapoor who plays Lord Rama in the film. Joining him to play Sita is Sai Pallavi. She will make her Bollywood debut with the mythological drama. One of the most talked about characters in the film is Ravana, who will be played by Kannada superstar Yash. The project will mark the KGF actor's entry into Hindi cinema. On the other hand, Sunny Deol takes on the role of Lord Hanuman. According to reports, Amitabh Bachchan has reportedly been roped in to play Jatayu. Meanwhile, Lara Dutta, Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh will be seen as Kaikeyi, Mandodari and Surpanakha. The list does not end here. Mohit Raina, who gained fame for portraying Lord Shiva in Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, will reprise his role in the Ramayana. Ravi Dubey is also a part of the cast and will be seen essaying the role of Lakshman. Arun Govil, who played Ram in Ramanand Sagar's TV series Ramayan, will be back on the big screens as King Dasharath. Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indra, Vivek Oberoi as Vidhyutjiva, and Adinath Kothare as Bharat make up the supporting cast. Anil Kapoor and Vikrant Massey may portray King Janaka and Prince Meghnad, respectively. However, a source dismissed the rumours regarding their casting. Recent reports suggest that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared the first promo of Ramayana. The 2 minute-36 second promo has received a 'U' certificate from the Mumbai Regional Office of the board. First Published:
Mint
3 hours ago
- Mint
Mercy For None review: So Ji-sub leads Netflix's gritty revenge drama that hits hard but lacks originality and depth
Netflix's latest K-drama 'Mercy For None' lives up to its title — there's truly no mercy, especially from its lead character, Nam Gi-jun. A former gangster turned avenger, Gi-jun (So Ji-sub) sets out on a relentless path of vengeance after the death of his younger brother, Gi-seok (Lee Joon-hyuk). From the first scene to the last, Gi-jun has one goal: make those responsible for his brother's death pay, no matter the cost. The premise is as straightforward as it gets: younger brother dies in suspicious circumstances, older brother seeks revenge, and a blood-soaked trail of justice follows. The show is set firmly in the criminal underworld, dominated by two major gangs — Ju-woon and Bong-san — who maintain an uneasy truce until that balance is shattered. Gu Jun-mo (Gong Myung), the arrogant and short-tempered son of Gu Bong-san, orders the killing of Gi-seok, triggering the central conflict. Watch the show's trailer here: So Ji-sub plays Nam Gi-jun with his signature stoicism, a trait fans of 'Doctor Lawyer' or 'A Company Man' will recognise. He's ice-cold, ruthless, and unwavering — a man whose pain fuels his cruelty. If you were even remotely involved in Gi-seok's death, you're either dead, or barely holding on with broken ribs. While the story lacks originality, the performances add weight. Gong Myung is a surprising standout as Gu Jun-mo. Known mostly for his soft, romantic roles, Myung turns menacing here — his violent outbursts chilling and unpredictable. Choo Young-woo also delivers a strong performance as the hidden mastermind, Lee Geum-son. His transformation from a reluctant prosecutor to a cold-blooded heir to a crime empire is one of the show's few satisfying twists. The action choreography is one of 'Mercy For None's clear strengths. The scenes are slick, brutal, and impressively shot. Two moments, in particular, stand out. The first is a chaotic brawl in a computer cafe — our first glimpse at how terrifyingly efficient Gi-jun can be in combat even with a missing Achilles Heel. The second is the final scene, where Gi-jun, bloodied and broken, sits at his remote campsite and imagines his brother beside him. He breaks down, overwhelmed with grief, and dies quietly. It's the only moment we see his vulnerability, and it lands with genuine emotion — though it feels a little too late. Unfortunately, 'Mercy For None' falls into the trap of overdoing the hero's invincibility. Gi-jun takes more beatings, stabbings, and bullets than any man should, yet keeps going like he's made of steel. During the final face-off with Lee Geum-son, he's shot twice and still manages to make it to his secluded campsite. It stretches believability to the limit and gives the show a slightly over-the-top, almost Bollywood-style flair that doesn't quite fit the otherwise gritty tone. In the end, 'Mercy For None' is a visually polished, well-acted revenge drama that doesn't bring much new to the genre. It delivers brutal fights and emotional beats, but the story is too thin and predictable to leave a real mark. So Ji-sub is compelling as ever, and Gong Myung is a revelation in his role — but the show doesn't do enough with its characters to elevate itself beyond average. Verdict: Watch it if you're a fan of dark dramas, but don't expect it to break new ground. 2.5 out of 5 stars for this tale of revenge.
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Hans India
Neetu & Riddhima Kapoor receive gratitude note from DKS director Ashish Mohan
Mumbai: Riddhima Kapoor is gearing up to make her Bollywood debut alongside mother Neetu Kapoor with Ashish R Mohan's next, titled, "DKS" for now. As the shooting of the drama has been concluded, the filmmaker penned a heartfelt note, thanking his entire team for an incredible creative journey. Pouring his heart out, Ashish wrote, "As we call "wrap" on our film, it feels like watching the last light of a powerful sunset - beautiful, a little bittersweet, and filled with memories of everything we've been through together." Speaking of the shooting experience, the director added, "Over the past 52 days, we faced it all - storms, hails, freezing colds, and even the looming fear of war. But like sunlight breaking through grey clouds, your spirit, courage, and dedication never waved." Showing his gratitude towards the cast, Ashish said, "To our incredible you for showing up every day with honesty, focus, and heart. You brought life to every frame in a way that moved me more than I can say." "As the day ends and the last rays of sunlight fall, this wrap feels like a quiet moment of gratitude for the film we've created and the family we've become. I'll carry this one with me always," the note concluded. On May 30, Riddhima announced the shoot wrap for "DKS" with a heartfelt social media post. Calling her first project as an actor 'special', she went on to write, "Firsts are always special, Because it's those very 'firsts' that form the blueprint of learnings we will carry for the rest of our lives." Sharing her experience, the diva added, "For 52 days, over 200 people came together to tell this heartwarming, funny, and beautiful film. We plotted, we danced, we laugh-cried and cried-laughed, and I cannot wait for you to join in the celebrations when this film hits your screens. #DKS." It is believed that comedian Kapil Sharma will also be a part of the film's primary cast.
