Boycott Calls Mount Against Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal Following Pahalgam Terror Attack:

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor star in a cross-border romantic drama titled Abir Gulaal. The film has come under scrutiny just weeks before its release on May 9. Aarti S Bagdi, the film’s director, is facing backlash for the film’s release following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

Indians have become increasingly infuriated with the film amidst the ongoing outrage over Pakistani collaborations with the Indian film industry. The attack has sparked renewed demands for a cultural boycott of Pakistan on multiple social media outlets, where users vent their frustration over the lack of ethical conduct pertaining to such collaborations.

Civil Outrage and Polticial Reaction:

As with all movies today, the film has seen its share of backlash online. Social Media was particularly hostile regarding timing of the movie’s release and the casting of a Pakistani actor considering the ongoing border skirmishes and the recent bloodbath. One user wrote, “Why are Pakistani artists still being welcomed in Indian cinema while our soldiers are being martyred at the borders?”

Another wrote, “Do we still allow films like Abir Gulaal to be produced?”

Political contacts have also taken notice of the film. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a right-wing outfit from the region, has opposed the movie’s release in Maharashtra which follows the trend of other political parties who previously have taken a stand against films with Pakistani actors.

Abir Gulaal Contorversy reminds us of “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” Controversy of 2016

The debate around Abir Gulaal has surfased memories of the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, also featuring Fawad Khan. The film received Bollywood’s most untouchable blockbuster award and underwent boycotts and protests after the Uri terrorist attack which led to an informal ban on Pakistani artists in indian entertainment. The comparison is horrendous, but that is what is driving public outrage the most.

Producers Remain Firm Under Pressure

As the conflicts escalated, social media campaigns intensified—but these factors have not pushed the producers of Abir Gulaal to reconsider the release date of the film. While no public announcement has been made regarding the attempts to mobilize a boycott, “the producers seem to know what the followers are saying,” suggests a source.