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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Fawad's 'Abir Gulaal' to release worldwide except India
After months of buzz, shifting release dates, and political storm clouds, Fawad Khan's latest Bollywood film 'Abir Gulaal' is finally set to hit the screens worldwide, but not in India because of a ban on Pakistani artists. As per Biz Asia, the film will release worldwide on August 29, with its big premiere set overseas but not in India. According to another Indian media report, the movie will release in theatres in over 75 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi, Abir Gulaal is expected to be a cross-cultural film that highlights the chemistry between Fawad and Vaani. The film is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. It is co-produced by Vivek B Agarwal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy. Playing the role of a UK-based chef, Fawad appears opposite Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor. Abir Gulaal will be an addition to the romantic comedy genre. It will mark Fawad's return to Bollywood after nine years. Lisa Hayden, Ridhi Dogra, Parmeet Sethi and veteran Farida Jalal are also part of the cast. Abir Gulaal was originally slated to release on May 9. However, the film remains banned in India. The ban on Pakistani actors was implemented by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) following the Palagham attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April. Many trade organisations, including All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE), also pressed for a ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry. Hence, the release of Sardaar JI 3 which starred Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and Abir Gulaal that cast Fawad in lead role were both halted. The film had generated buzz among fans, particularly due to Fawad's return to the Bollywood scene. Fawad made his Bollywood debut in 2014 with Khoobsurat, starring opposite Sonam Kapoor. He went on to appear in Dharma Productions's Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which was his last Indian project before the ban on Pakistani artists in 2016.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's controversial Abir Gulaal set for global release on August 29… but India won't see it
The controversial Indo-Pak film Abir Gulaal, starring Bollywood's Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, is finally set for its global theatrical release on August 29 but with one major exception: India won't be on the map. Abir Gulaal, initially set for May, faced backlash after recent tensions, prompting calls for a boycott from various sectors. Abir Gulaal to skip India release According to a report by BizAsia, the film's producers have decided to skip a theatrical release in India due to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries, exacerbated earlier this year by the Pahalgam terror attack and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The geopolitical fallout led to a ban on Pakistani artists in India, causing Abir Gulaal to miss its original May 9 release date in the country. The film had generated significant interest with the teaser and songs receiving a warm response from Indian audiences. Fawad's fans were particularly excited about his long-awaited return to Indian cinema after a nine-year hiatus. However, sentiments turned sharply after the Pahalgam attack, with calls for a boycott of the film growing louder from all walks of society. Vaani, who faced heavy backlash for her association with the project, recently addressed the criticism. Speaking at a media event, she said, "There's so much toxicity and hate... I keep hearing 'boycott this one, cancel that one.' Mat karo yaar (don't do this), have room and let people be." Actor Ridhi Dogra, who also features in the film, defended her decision to be part of the project, stating, 'When I signed and shot for the film, relations between the countries were stable. I followed all the laws. Today, I stand by my country and our armed forces, but don't bully me for something that was legal then.' About Abir Gulaal Directed by Aarti S Bagadi, the film synopsis reads, "Two wounded souls, brought together by chance, find solace in each other's company and gradually develop a profound connection that blossoms into love." Apart from Fawad and Vaani, the film also stars Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalaal, Soni Razdan, Parmeet Sethi and Rahul Vohra in key roles. The film has been produced by Rakesh Sippy, Firuzi Khan and Vivek Aggarwal.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
After Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaarji 3, Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor's Abir Gulaal to release worldwide, likely to skip India: Report
After months of delay, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's film Abir Gulaal is set for a worldwide release but will likely skip India. According to Biz Asia, the film — now officially titled Aabir Gulaal — will have its world premiere on August 29. The report does not mention any details about its India release, making it likely that the film will bypass Indian cinemas. The decision to skip Abir Gulaal's India release comes soon after Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3 also bypassed Indian cinemas. That film starred Pakistani actor Hania Aamir alongside Diljit and faced backlash in India. The makers opted for a worldwide release, skipping India, and the film went on to become a box office hit overseas, emerging as the highest-grossing Punjabi film worldwide, eclipsing Jatt and Juliet 3. It also broke box office records for opening day and weekend collections for an Indian film. It appears the makers of Vaani and Fawad's film are hoping to replicate Sardaar Ji 3's success. Earlier, Vaani Kapoor had defended the overseas release of Sardaar Ji 3. She said, 'I am assuming his film was shot before the atrocious attack, and I am assuming, as a producer, his money must have been stuck. I guess some 100 technicians were involved in making the film. The situation was different when the film was shot. I don't think he was meaning to disrespect the nation. He is a global star… He is looked up to globally. He has taken measures as per whatever he thought was suitable to him. But I don't think any laws have been broken, right?' Despite ongoing speculation, the makers of Abir Gulaal have yet to give a final confirmation on the film's release plans.
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Fawad Khan, Vaani Kapoor's Abir Gulaal Headed For World Premiere, To Skip India Release: Report
Last Updated: Abir Gulaal, now titled Aabir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, will reportedly premiere globally in August. The film has been banned in India after Pahalgam attack. Abir Gulaal Movie Updates: After months of speculation, delays, and controversy, Abir Gulaal, which was speculated to be Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's much-awaited Bollywood comeback, will reportedly release outside of India. The film, now officially titled Aabir Gulaal, will have its world premiere on August 29, according to a recent report by Biz Asia. The film stars Vaani Kapoor as the leading lady. Abir Gulaal's journey to the big screen has been anything but smooth. Originally slated for a May 9 release in the country, the film faced repeated setbacks, especially after the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. In the wake of the incident, plans for an Indian theatrical release were put on indefinite hold. Biz Asia's report confirms a global release but makes no mention of India being part of the distribution plan. Industry insiders believe the makers might follow a strategy similar to Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3, which skipped Indian cinemas entirely but scored big overseas. Whether Aabir Gulaal can replicate that success and whether the news is at all true, is yet to be confirmed by the makers. Before the April attack, promotional efforts for Abir Gulaal were in full swing. On April 19, the film's music was launched with great fanfare at Dubai's Global Village, earning praise from media and fans alike. But just two days later, music label Saregama pulled the soundtrack from circulation, abruptly halting all marketing activity. Vaani Kapoor recently defended Diljit Dosanjh's call to release Sardaar Ji 3 abroad Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3, co-starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, was released overseas, resulting in massive uproar and boycott calls. The move left the Internet divided. Abir Gulaal actress Vaani Kapoor belonged to the lot who backed Diljit. The Mandala Murders actress told NDTV, 'I am assuming his film was shot before the atrocious attack, and I am assuming, as a producer, his money must have been stuck. I guess some 100 technicians were involved in making the film. The situation was different when the film was shot." Vaani added, 'I don't think he was meaning to disrespect the nation. He is a global star… He is looked up to globally. He has taken measures as per whatever he thought was suitable to him. But I don't think any laws have been broken, right?" Meanwhile, an official confirmation on Fawad Khan-starrer Abir Gulaal is awaited from the makers. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's 'Abir Gulaal' set for global release on August 29
Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's 'Abir Gulaal', postponed after the Pahalgam attack due to backlash against Pakistani artists, is now set for a global release on August 29 under the new title 'Aabeer Gulaal'. The film may not release in India but aims for success overseas, following similar Punjabi films. After much delay and controversy over the release of Fawad Khan 's Bollywood comeback film 'Abir Gulaal', the film is finally set for its release. Originally scheduled to hit theatres on May 9, reports on Biz Asia state that the movie, renamed 'Aabeer Gulaal', is slated for a global theatrical release on August 29. While the report does not specify any plans for release in India, industry insiders believe that, given the prevailing backlash against Pakistani artists, the film is unlikely to be officially released in the Indian market. The film's release in India was halted following the tragic Pahalgam attack on April 22. There was strong opposition within the industry toward Pakistani artists working in the Indian film industry. This backlash led to the film's release being postponed indefinitely, raising concerns that it might never debut. Following the successful overseas film model An industry insider revealed to the portal that the makers of Abir Gulaal intend to take the same approach as 'Sardaar Ji 3'. That film, starring Diljit Dosanjh, wasn't released in India due to the presence of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, yet it achieved impressive box office success internationally. Likewise, 'Chal Mera Putt 4', another Punjabi movie, was launched only outside India and turned out to be a big hit. Whether 'Abir Gulaal' will follow the same path and succeed overseas remains to be seen. Promotions halted after Pahalgam attack Prior to the Pahalgam attack, the promotional activities for 'Abir Gulaal' were progressing actively. The film's music launch took place on April 19 at Dubai's Global Village and was warmly received by both fans and media. However, the situation took a drastic turn after the attack, and just two days later, the audio company Saregama decided to pull the film's songs from circulation.
