Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal Faces Backlash Amid Kashmir Terror Attack, Film Federation Leadeship Calls for Boycott

After the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, it seems that the upcoming film 'Abir Gulaal', starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, has found itself in the centre of an even bigger controversy surrounding its release. With backlash intensifying following the deadly attack on Tuesday, in which four terrorists opened fire and killed around 28 people—mostly tourists—the call to boycott the film has grown stronger. This is primarily due to the casting of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.

Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) reacts to Abir Gulaal's release

Amid rising tension and national outrage, Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), voiced strong objections to the film’s release. Speaking to the media, he stated:“This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn’t the first time... these attacks have been ongoing for over 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands that the Indian film industry refrain from working with Pakistani artists. They often justify their choices with terms like ‘artist community,’ but ultimately, the nation must come first. People think, ‘Agar mere ghar ka aadmi nahi mara toh f**k it, I don’t care,’ but if this film’s heroine or the makers’ own family members had been shot by the terrorists, they would never have worked with Fawad.”

He further added, “Our actors go to perform with Pakistani artists in London and Dubai. Even in cricket, we pretend all is normal. But while they shoot bullets at us, we’re playing bat and ball with them. The public is furious, and there will be consequences. Cricketers, artists, and singers may face the public’s wrath. We have reached a saturation point. We will issue an order—anyone working with Pakistani artists will be boycotted by the Indian film industry.”

BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), took an equally firm stand. “We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the filmmakers if they go ahead with the release,” he declared.

Netizens reaction

Meanwhile, several netizens have taken to social media to call for a boycott of the film, citing national sentiment and questioning why Pakistani actors are still being offered roles in Indian cinema, especially during such sensitive times.

 

About Abir Gulaal

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, 'Abir Gulaal' is scheduled to release on May 9. The film stars Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor in lead roles and has been marketed as a romantic political drama. However, the film's release now hangs in the balance as public outrage grows and political pressure mounts.

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