Pahalgam terror attack prompts Twitterati to call for BOYCOTT on Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor starrer Abir Gulaal; netizens recall Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’s release post-Uri |

In the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, mounting calls for a ban on the upcoming film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan opposite Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor, have sparked a heated debate online.
Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, the romantic comedy has been slated for a theatrical release on May 9. However, amid the outrage over the terror attack that left 26 dead and several other civilians injured, a section of fans and cinema enthusiasts have taken to social media to call for a ban on the film. “Abir Gulaal will not be allowed to release in any theatre in India,” read a tweet.
Another asked, “Are we still going to allow movies like Abir Gulaal to be made in India with Pakistani actors?”

However, some others drew parallels with the 2016 Uri attack, noting that the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which also featured Fawad in a leading role, hit theatres exactly a month after the terror attack. The Uri attack took place on September 18 which prompted the ban on Pakistani artist in India. ‘ADHM’ which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan hit the big screen on October 28.
“Last time it was Ae Dil Hai Muskil.. just a week before it’s release, the Uri attack happened. Now, Pehlam happpened around 10 days before the release of Abir Gulaal. Both of the incidents are too much of a coincidence.. or maybe fawad khan ki kismat hi footi hai,” read a tweet.
Abir Gulaal is said to be a cross-border romantic drama. The film came under intense scrutiny, particularly for casting Fawad. Early this month, the MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) voiced their opposition over the release of the film in Maharashtra. The party has cited their long-standing opposition to Pakistani artists working in India, citing concerns about national security and the impact on the Indian film industry. They have warned distributors and theatre owners against showing the film.