Pakistani actor Fawad Khan-starrer 'Aabeer Gulaal' is all set for to hit the screen globally on August 29, months after India banned its release in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack.
The romantic drama was previously scheduled to release in India on May 9 but got embroiled in a massive controversy in the aftermath of April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in south Kashmir in which 26 people were killed. The film also features Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor in the female lead.
According to reports, the film, which was earlier titled ‘Abir Gulaal’, will release in theatres in over 75 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
"'Aabeer Gulaal' will release on August 29 worldwide except India. It is releasing in more than 75 countries like UK, UAE, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand," a source reportedly said.
In the UK, the film, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, will be distributed by Indian Stories Limited.
Many trade organisations, including All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE), reiterated their call for a ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry.
The release of the film, which would have marked Khan's comeback to Bollywood, was cancelled.
Khan's social media accounts, along with those of many other prominent Pakistani actors, including Hania, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, were also blocked in India.
Also read: Pak actor Fawad Khan's 'Abir Gulaal' not to release in India
Hostilities between India and Pakistan escalated further after Indian armed forces carried out strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, in an operation codenamed Operation Sindoor.
"Aabeer Gulaal" is produced by Vivek Agrawal. It also features Lisa Haydon, Ridhi Dogra, Parmeet Sethi and veteran actor Farida Jalal.
The film is described as a "feel-good, fiery romance about unexpected connections, second chances, and learning to make space for love".
"When spirited Gulaal (Kapoor) escapes an arranged marriage and lands in London, she crashes into the life of Aabeer Singh (Khan)— a guarded restaurateur with a complicated past. Their lives collide through chaos, dance classes, and unexpected late-night rescues.
"What begins as rivalry slowly simmers into something deeper neither is ready for. But love demands more than chemistry — it asks them both to heal, forgive, and grow," according to the official logline.
Recently, Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's "Sardaar Ji 3” was released in overseas territories amid controversy over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir.
The film was released worldwide on June 27, except for India.
At the time, Dosanjh had defended the decision, saying the movie's producers are already facing losses due to ban on Pakistani artists in India and in such a scenario, it is justified to release the film overseas.
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