KARACHI – Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated Bollywood comeback film Abir Gulaal has finally secured a worldwide release date, but with one major exception — the movie will not be screened in India. Scheduled to hit cinemas across the globe on August 29, 2025, the romantic drama has been surrounded by political controversy and diplomatic tensions since its production wrapped.
Co-starring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, Abir Gulaal was initially expected to premiere earlier this year. However, escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan — particularly in the aftermath of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent “Operation Sindoor” — resulted in heightened scrutiny of cross-border artistic collaborations. Indian authorities, along with sections of the film industry, have effectively shut the doors on Pakistani artists, leading to the decision to exclude India from the movie’s release markets.
Internationally, the film is generating significant buzz. The UAE has already confirmed screenings starting on the same August date, with distributors eyeing strong turnout in Pakistan, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and parts of Southeast Asia. The storyline, which has been kept largely under wraps, is expected to blend romance, cultural conflict, and an emotionally charged narrative — a combination that could resonate deeply with global audiences.
Industry analysts suggest that Abir Gulaal’s release strategy may set a precedent for future Indo-Pak cinematic ventures. By prioritizing overseas markets and bypassing India, producers aim to capitalize on Fawad Khan’s massive international fan base while avoiding the political minefield that often engulfs cross-border projects. Early reports indicate that the film’s marketing campaign will focus heavily on digital platforms, music releases, and fan-driven promotions in territories where Khan enjoys superstar status.
For Fawad Khan, who last appeared in Bollywood nearly a decade ago, Abir Gulaal marks not just a professional return but a symbolic statement on the resilience of art in the face of political barriers. With his established reputation in both Pakistani television and international cinema, expectations are sky-high for the film’s performance in overseas markets.
As the countdown to August 29 begins, cinephiles across the world are bracing for a cinematic experience that could be both a box-office draw and a cultural talking point. Whether Abir Gulaal becomes a global success story without India’s participation remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: the spotlight is firmly on Fawad Khan.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.