The much-anticipated romantic drama “Aabeer Gulaal” starring Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor continues to face roadblocks in its Indian theatrical release. Recent developments have confirmed that despite viral social media claims, the film will not hit Indian cinemas anytime soon.
Table of Contents
PIB Clarifies Fake News Surrounding Release
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has officially debunked circulating reports about the film’s September 26, 2025 release date in India, stating “This claim is FAKE” and confirming “No such clearance has been granted for this film”. This clarification comes after widespread speculation on social media platforms suggested that Aabeer Gulaal had finally received approval for its Indian theatrical debut.
Fresh developments regarding Aabeer Gulaal, anticipated to be one of 2025’s most controversial films, confirm that the movie will not be released in India, with a PIB post explicitly stating that the film’s release in India has been cancelled.
Film Details and Cast Information
| Film Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Aabeer Gulaal (also referred to as Abir Gulaal) |
| Lead Cast | Fawad Khan, Vaani Kapoor |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy/Drama |
| Original Release Date | May 9, 2025 |
| Current Status | Banned in India |
| Language | Hindi |
Aabeer Gulaal is a 2025 Hindi-language romantic comedy film starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, which was initially scheduled for release on May 9, 2025. The film represents Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after his previous successful ventures.
The Pahalgam Connection: Why the Ban Occurred
The film’s release was cancelled following the 2025 Pahalgam attack and ensuing India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions. Due to the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam in April, the release of the movie was stalled, with tensions arising on the Indo-Chinese borders following the attack.
This geopolitical situation has created an unprecedented scenario where a completed Bollywood film featuring a major Pakistani star remains indefinitely shelved due to cross-border tensions.
Industry Response and Challenges
| Stakeholder | Response |
|---|---|
| PIB India | Official denial of release clearance |
| FWICE | Demanded complete ban on Pakistani talent |
| Producers | Silent on current status |
| Distributors | No official Indian distribution partner |
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has demanded a complete ban on the release of Fawad’s Aabeer Gulaal in India, with the film body also asking for strict policy of non-cooperation with Pakistani talent within the Indian entertainment industry.
Recent Viral Claims and Misinformation
Social media platforms and entertainment websites recently buzzed with claims that Aabeer Gulaal would finally make its Indian debut on September 26, 2025. Reports suggested that the team of Indian Stories Limited (UK) had made the decision to release the film in cinemas in India, expressing confidence in the product and describing it as a “simple and sweet love story”.
However, these reports proved to be unfounded. Despite reports surfacing claiming that Aabeer Gulaal would finally hit Indian cinemas on September 26, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) dismissed the viral claims in a fact-check, confirming the claim was false and no clearance was granted.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Despite strong buzz and reports suggesting an Indian release, PIB has clarified that Aabeer Gulaal has no clearance for a theatrical run in the country. PIB confirmed no CBFC clearance yet, dismissing viral news about a September 26, 2025 release.
The film’s status remains in limbo, with no clear indication of when or if it might receive approval for Indian theatrical release. The ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, coupled with industry pressure against Pakistani talent, create additional hurdles for the film’s potential release.
Impact on Cross-Border Entertainment
The Aabeer Gulaal situation highlights the complex relationship between entertainment and geopolitics in the subcontinent. The film’s indefinite ban represents a broader trend of restrictions on Pakistani artists in Indian cinema, particularly following terror incidents that strain bilateral relations.
This controversy also demonstrates how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age, with false release reports going viral before official clarification from government sources.
International Release Prospects
While the Indian market remains closed to Aabeer Gulaal, the film may still find audiences in international markets and Pakistan. However, the loss of the Indian market represents a significant financial setback, given Bollywood’s massive domestic audience and Fawad Khan’s popularity among Indian viewers.
The film’s producers and distributors now face the challenge of recouping their investment through alternative release strategies, potentially including digital platforms and international theatrical releases.
FAQs
Will Aabeer Gulaal ever release in India?
Currently, there’s no indication that the film will receive clearance for Indian theatrical release. The PIB has explicitly stated that no such clearance has been granted.
What is the main reason for the ban on Aabeer Gulaal?
The film’s release was cancelled following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions.
Are the September 26, 2025 release reports true?
No, the PIB has officially debunked these reports as fake news, confirming no clearance has been granted for the film’s Indian release.
What is FWICE’s stance on the film?
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has demanded a complete ban on the film and called for non-cooperation with Pakistani talent in Indian entertainment.
Can viewers watch Aabeer Gulaal through other means?
While the film is banned from Indian theatrical release, it may be available through international releases or digital platforms in other countries, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed.
