Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated return to Bollywood with Abir Gulaal, also starring Vaani Kapoor, will not see a theatrical release in India. Originally scheduled for May 9, the film’s release was halted following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The decision comes amid renewed calls for a boycott of Pakistani artists by industry bodies.
Actor Prakash Raj, known for his bold and outspoken views, has criticized the ban in an interview with The Lallantop. “I don’t support banning any film—whether it leans right or left. Let the people choose. Unless it’s child abuse or pornography, a film’s thought process shouldn’t be grounds for a ban,” he asserted.
Raj also condemned the culture of threats and censorship, referencing previous controversies. “Anyone can get offended today. ‘Cut Deepika Padukone’s nose, behead her!’—what does that achieve? Shah Rukh Khan was targeted just for a costume colour. They can outrage over anything, and the current leadership allows this to breed fear,” he stated.
He drew parallels to the controversies surrounding Padmaavat and Pathaan, where Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan faced backlash over perceived issues in their films.
After the Pahalgam attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reactivated its ban on Pakistani collaborators in Indian entertainment. Citing national security, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry backed out from allowing Abir Gulaal to release, as multiple cinema chains and organisations resisted screening the film.
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