After being stalled due to the Pahalgam attack and subsequent industry backlash against Pakistani artists, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s much-anticipated film ‘Abir Gulaal’ will finally see the light of day—but not in India. The movie, now retitled ‘Aabeer Gulaal’, is scheduled for a global theatrical release on August 29, 2025. Its release in Indian cinemas remains highly unlikely due to the prevailing sentiment and restrictions against Pakistani actors following the attack.

Initially meant to be Fawad’s Bollywood comeback after nine years, the film’s Indian release was halted when the Federation of Western India Cine Employees called for a boycott. The backlash put an indefinite pause on the film’s launch, and its music was pulled from platforms just days after the Pahalgam incident. All promotions in India ceased, despite high fan excitement before the controversy began.

With little hope for release in India, the producers have chosen an overseas-first strategy, inspired by the success of Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Sardaar Ji 3’. That film, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, was also not released in India but went on to break box office records internationally, particularly in overseas Punjabi-speaking markets. A similar approach paid off for the film ‘Chal Mera Putt 4’ as well, which succeeded despite being barred from Indian theaters.

The makers of ‘Aabeer Gulaal’ are now betting on a global audience, with key markets expected to include North America, the UK, Middle East, and Pakistan. Whether the movie finds the same level of success as ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ remains to be seen, but this release model has become the go-to solution for cross-border productions entangled in geopolitical tensions.

In summary:

• ‘Aabeer Gulaal’ (formerly Abir Gulaal), starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, releases globally on August 29, 2025.

• The film is unlikely to see an Indian release due to post-Pahalgam attack sentiments and boycotts.

• Producers are using the global-only release strategy made successful by ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, hoping for overseas box office gains.

Fans worldwide (except India) will soon be able to watch the film in theaters, marking an unusual—yet increasingly common—route for movies featuring Pakistani talent in the present climate.