Saregama
The much-anticipated Indo-Pak film Abir Gulaal, starring renowned Pakistani actor Fawad Khan alongside Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, has encountered yet another roadblock following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, located in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), on April 22.
Already mired in controversy over its cross-border cast, the film is now seeing its music withdrawn from major digital platforms, including YouTube and popular streaming services.
According to reports from Indian media, Saregama, the prominent Indian music label managing the film’s soundtrack, has removed all songs from online platforms. The company initially uploaded the jukebox for Abir Gulaal on April 19, just ahead of a lavish music launch event held in Dubai.
The launch was well-received by audiences, building anticipation for the film’s release. However, the timing proved unfortunate, as the attack in Pahalgam just days later triggered an immediate and emotional reaction across India.
Following the incident, there was a surge of calls for a complete ban on the film’s release in India. In response to the mounting pressure and fearing public backlash, Saregama quietly removed the soundtrack and deleted all promotional social media posts associated with the project.
Industry sources suggest the move was a precautionary step to distance the company from any controversy involving Pakistani talent in Indian cinema.
The film was initially slated for a theatrical release on May 9, but insiders now confirm that the project faces significant distribution challenges. Not only have several prominent cinema chains declined to screen the film, but multiple entertainment organizations have publicly urged a boycott.
Furthermore, reports from the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting suggest that the film’s release has been officially denied.
Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Vivek B. Agrawal, has been under scrutiny even before the Pahalgam attack. Earlier this month, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) voiced its opposition to the film, citing tensions between India and Pakistan and reiterating a nationalist stance against allowing Pakistani artists to work in India.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which represents over 500,000 industry professionals, issued a strong statement reinforcing its pre-existing ban on Pakistani talent. “We are compelled to enforce a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists. Anyone violating this will face disciplinary action,” the FWICE declared.
The escalating political and public pressure has cast a long shadow over the fate of Abir Gulaal, highlighting how geopolitical tensions continue to severely impact artistic collaboration between the two nations.
