Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinemas already under scanner
Favad Khan and Wani Kapoor’s upcoming film, Abir Gulal, faces opposition to film associations in India, the Bombing High Court despite dismissing the 2023 plea to ban Pakistani artists. The firm, the film’s future, is uncertain in its stance with producer groups and political parties.
The first teaser of the upcoming film Abir Gulal by actors Favad Khan and Wani Kapoor was unveiled today. Even though fans seemed excited to see Kapoor and sons actor back in Indian cinemas, the film has already started facing the anger of the film associations. While in the Bombay High Court, 2023, a petition was dismissed, seeking a complete ban on Pakistan artists to perform or work in India, many political parties and film bodies continue to oppose. After that, Abir Gulal’s future in the cinema hall now seems uncertain in India, especially in Maharashtra.
The producer and president of the Indian Film and Television Director Association, Ashok Pandit, specifically told India Today that he was told that Abir Gulal is not an Indian studio -supported project. He shared that when there is no legal ban, many producers associations have been against Pakistani artists working in Indian films.
Watch the teaser of the film here:
He said, “This happened after the Pulwama attack when the federation took a strong stand. We do not fully encourage Pakistan’s artists to work here. We will appeal to CBFC to see the matter. We cannot do the film released in India. Stand remains the same, and it has not changed.”
On the other hand, Federation of Western India Cine employee president BN Tiwari shared that he did not know about the film. He confirmed that there would be a meeting with the team of his film, which makes a better understanding before taking any call.
Interestingly, when the film bodies are standing against the inclusion of Pakistani artists, the government has not officially ruled it. However, actor Imran Zahid presented an RTI request to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of External Affairs in 2024, but never received a response. He told India Today that all these ministries refused to give any information about banning any Pakistani films or actors.
“Mea’s response to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, once again, left me properly, stating that he was an officer of the requested information and directing me.
Imran said that he has advised his colleagues that they should avoid engaging in projects involving Pakistani artists, as there are high risks and uncertainty. He said, “This is more than inconvenience lack of clarity; it prohibits our ability to create and cooperate. Livelihood of many is affected, and the capacity for meaningful cross-cultural exchange is affected. A simple” yes “or” no “from the government will be able to plan responsibly, avoid estimates, and proceed with confidence.”
Abir Gulal of Favad Khan and Wani Kapoor was prepared for release on 9 May.
