As per the latest reports by Indian media, Fawad Khan’s Bollywood movie Abir Gulaal, which premiered globally today, 12 September 2025, is now scheduled to release in India on 26 September 2025. The decision comes despite heightened tensions and confrontations following the Pahalgam attack. Industry insiders claimed that the completely surprising move to release the film was influenced by the easing of sentiments after the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match held on 14 September 2025.
This marks a significant development, as the release of films featuring Pakistani actors in India has often been a sensitive issue amid strained bilateral relations.
Fawad Khan has lately opened up about the pressure he endured due to Abir Gulaal.
“I was under immense pressure throughout,” he said, reflecting on the project’s turbulent journey to theatres, marked by both production hurdles and political challenges.
The film, originally scheduled for release on May 9, was first postponed to August 29 before finally premiering on September 12 across 75 countries. However, it continues to remain barred from Indian theatres due to the ongoing prohibition on Pakistani artists.
This restriction was further reinforced earlier this year by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), following renewed pressure from organizations such as the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). The Pulwama attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir had already entrenched these policies, leading to the suspension of several cross-border collaborations.
