The release of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s latest film Abir Gulal had been embroiled in uncertainty for a long time. The turbulence stemmed from the Pahalgam incident, after which India–Pakistan relations deteriorated significantly. In its aftermath, a ban was imposed on Pakistani artistes working in India, directly affecting the release of this film.

Originally, the film – starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor – was scheduled to release on 9 May 2025. However, the Pahalgam incident occurred shortly before that date, leading several organisations to demand that the film never be allowed to reach Indian cinemas.

The controversy also drew criticism towards actress Vaani Kapoor for working alongside a Pakistani actor. Facing mounting pressure, the makers decided to release the film only at the international level, avoiding an Indian launch.

On 12 September 2025, Abir Gulal was officially released internationally. Since then, audiences abroad have had the chance to watch the film, which is described as a simple yet heartfelt love story designed to appeal to viewers across cultures.

Now, in a fresh development, it has been reported that the previously banned film may finally enter Indian theatres. The tentative release date has been set for 26 September 2025, although an official confirmation from the producers is still awaited.

Industry insiders believe that the film, rooted in universal emotions of love, will resonate with audiences worldwide. Adding to the optimism, there are no major film releases scheduled on the same date, giving Abir Gulal the potential to run independently in cinemas.