After months of delays and uncertainty, Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated Bollywood comeback film Abir Gulaal is finally scheduled for a worldwide release on August 29. However, the film will not be screened in India due to the ongoing ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian entertainment industry.
Global Release Without India
According to entertainment news outlet Biz Asia, Abir Gulaal will premiere in more than 75 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The overseas launch will be the film’s main highlight, with no Indian theatrical release.
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi, the film is described as a cross-cultural romantic comedy that pairs Fawad Khan with Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor. Produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures, the project is co-produced by Vivek B. Agarwal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.
In the movie, Fawad plays a UK-based chef, marking his return to Bollywood after a nine-year hiatus. The cast also includes Lisa Hayden, Ridhi Dogra, Parmeet Sethi, and veteran actor Farida Jalal.
Ban Stems from 2016 Policy
Abir Gulaal was initially slated for release on May 9, but its launch was postponed. The absence of an Indian release is linked to a ban implemented by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) following the 2016 Uri and Pulwama-related tensions. The restrictions were reinforced after the April attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), with industry bodies such as the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) calling for a complete halt on collaborations with Pakistani talent.
This policy has also affected other projects, including Sardaar Ji 3, which featured Pakistani actor Hania Aamir.
Fawad’s Bollywood Journey
Fawad Khan first entered Bollywood in 2014 with Khoobsurat opposite Sonam Kapoor. He later starred in Dharma Productions’ Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. The latter, released in 2016, was his last Indian film before the ban came into effect.
Despite the restrictions, Abir Gulaal has generated strong anticipation among fans eager to see Fawad return to a Bollywood role, even if only on international screens.