The upcoming film Abir Gulaal, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, has sparked a major controversy ahead of its scheduled release on May 9, 2025. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has strongly opposed the film’s release, citing its longstanding stance against Pakistani artists working in India. This has once again brought the debate over cross-border artistic collaborations into the limelight, reigniting discussions about cultural exchanges between the two countries.
MNS leader Ameya Khopkar, who heads the party’s cinema wing, reiterated the party's position in a stern warning. “We will not allow this film to be released in Maharashtra because it features a Pakistani actor. Pakistan has always been involved in anti-India activities, and we will not let our industry support their artists in any way,” he stated. The party, which has previously protested against the involvement of Pakistani actors in Indian films, has made it clear that they will take all necessary steps to prevent Abir Gulaal from screening in Maharashtra.
This isn’t the first time MNS has targeted films featuring Pakistani actors. In 2016, the party had vehemently opposed the release of Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which starred Fawad Khan, and Raees, featuring Mahira Khan, following the Uri attack. MNS had threatened theatre owners and demanded a ban on Pakistani actors working in Bollywood. Although Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was eventually released after Karan Johar assured that he would no longer collaborate with Pakistani artists, the controversy surrounding Pakistani actors working in India has never truly settled.
Amid the MNS protests, the film has also drawn scrutiny from various Indian film associations. Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association, backed the sentiment of barring Pakistani actors from Bollywood, arguing that while there is no official government ban on Pakistani artists working in India, the industry has voluntarily distanced itself from such collaborations, especially after the Pulwama attack in 2019. He urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take the matter into consideration before approving Abir Gulaal for release. Pandit also issued a strong warning to filmmakers who continue to work with Pakistani actors, stating that Indian technicians and industry workers might refuse to collaborate with them in the future.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), another influential film body, has also weighed in on the controversy. FWICE President BN Tiwari admitted that he was not fully aware of the details regarding Abir Gulaal, but assured that discussions with the filmmakers would take place before any final decision is made. He emphasized that while Indian film associations generally discourage collaborations with Pakistani actors, there is no explicit government directive prohibiting such projects. This lack of clarity has left the film industry in a dilemma, with some filmmakers willing to work with Pakistani artists, while others choose to avoid the risk of backlash.
Actor Imran Zahid had previously sought clarification on this matter by filing an RTI (Right to Information) request with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of External Affairs. However, none of the ministries provided a clear response regarding the official status of Pakistani actors working in India. Zahid pointed out that this ambiguity has created confusion within the film industry, leaving producers and artists uncertain about the legal and political implications of collaborating with Pakistani talent.
Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarati Bagadi, is reportedly an intense romantic drama exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. While the film's plot remains largely under wraps, sources suggest that it tells a cross-border love story, which could further fuel the controversy surrounding its release. The involvement of Fawad Khan, a popular actor with a significant fanbase in India, has added to the film’s visibility, but also made it a target of political and nationalist sentiments.
The growing tension around the film has also raised concerns for theatre owners, many of whom fear disruptions and protests if they choose to screen Abir Gulaal. In the past, MNS has staged violent demonstrations and threatened exhibitors who defied their warnings. If the party follows through with its threats this time, the fate of Abir Gulaal in Indian cinemas could be in jeopardy.
As the controversy continues to escalate, the makers of Abir Gulaal have yet to issue an official statement in response to MNS’s opposition. Whether the film will manage to secure a smooth release or face obstacles remains to be seen, but the ongoing debate over the presence of Pakistani actors in Bollywood is far from over.
