Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s ‘Aabeer Gulaal’ Set for Global Release

The romantic comedy Aabeer Gulaal, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor, is set to premiere in theaters worldwide on September 12, 2025. Notably, the film will not be released in India due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Aabeer Gulaal has been the subject of much anticipation since its announcement. Initially scheduled for release on May 9, the film’s debut was postponed following the 2025 Pahalgam attack, which heightened existing tensions between the two nations.

The film features a strong supporting cast, including Riddhi Dogra, Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, Parmeet Sethi, and Rahul Vohra. According to the film’s IMDb page, the plot revolves around “two wounded souls brought together by chance” who find solace in one another, ultimately developing a deep and meaningful connection that evolves into love.

The film is expected to be screened on over 1,000 screens across 75 countries. While Khan has made a significant impact in the Indian film industry since his debut in 2014 with Khoobsurat, he faces challenges in India, including restrictions on his social media presence. His Instagram account has been blocked in India as part of legal measures against several Pakistani artists.

This is not the first instance of a Pakistani actor’s film being excluded from the Indian market. Earlier, the film Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, also did not reach Indian audiences. As the situation evolves, the implications for cross-border collaborations in the entertainment industry remain significant.

As anticipation builds for Aabeer Gulaal, it underscores the complexities of cultural exchange amid geopolitical realities, highlighting how artistic endeavors are often affected by broader international relations.