1 day Ago By Mashable India
Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is gearing up for his Bollywood return with the upcoming film Abir Gulaal, but the project has already hit a snag. Just hours after the teaser dropped on Tuesday, the film has faced backlash. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has voiced its opposition to the movie’s release in Maharashtra.
As reported by News18, recently, MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar said that they are against the film’s release in Maharashtra since it stars a Pakistani actor. “We only learned about this film’s release today when the makers announced it. But we are making it clear that we will not allow this film to be released in Maharashtra because it features a Pakistani actor.
Under no circumstances will we permit such films to be released in the state. We are gathering more information about the film and will soon issue a full statement,” he told Dainik Bhaskar. A post shared by Vaani Kapoor (@vaanikapoor) Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also reacted to the controversy and added, “There is widespread hatred for Pakistan in India.
When a film from Pakistan is released, Indian audiences do not prefer watching it. Even if a few people watch it out of curiosity, Pakistani artists have never been able to gain widespread success in India.” “If the central government has a policy on this, it should be implemented.
The decision on whether Pakistani films should be released in India or if their artists should be allowed to work here must be made by the government,” Nirupam continued. Abir Gulaal features Fawad Khan alongside Vaani Kapoor and is helmed by director Aarti S. Bagdi, celebrated for her heartfelt narrative in Chalti Rahe Zindagi.
She collaborates with producers Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures to craft this cross-cultural story. The shoot kicked off in late September 2024, capturing stunning locations in and around London, and wrapped up a 40-day schedule in the British capital. See Also: Fawad Khan Returns To Bollywood With Vaani Kapoor Co-Starrer Abir Gulaal; Makers Release First Promo.
