The upcoming cross-border film Abir Gulaal, starring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor and renowned Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, has found itself embroiled in controversy following the horrific terrorist attack that rocked Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals—many of whom were tourists—has left the entire nation grieving, and has also triggered a fresh wave of anger and debate over India-Pakistan relations, with the film becoming an unexpected flashpoint.

As public sentiments surged, social media platforms exploded with calls for a complete boycott of Abir Gulaal, which is being seen by many as an insensitive release in light of the tragedy. This has had direct consequences on the film’s visibility online, with key promotional materials being taken down from popular platforms.

Songs Quietly Removed From YouTube India Amid Escalating Protests

Two songs from the movie—Khudaya Ishq and Angreji Rangrasiya—were initially uploaded to YouTube through the film's production house as well as Saregama, the label that holds the film’s music rights. However, both songs have now been quietly removed from YouTube India. Although the videos may still be accessible in some regions outside India, they have disappeared for Indian users without any official notice or clarification from the producers or music company.

The sudden disappearance of these songs appears to be a direct response to the intensifying calls for action against the film, which many are labeling as “culturally inappropriate” given the strained relations between India and Pakistan and the involvement of a Pakistani lead actor.

Adding to the speculation, another track from the film, Tain Tain, was scheduled to be released on April 24. The song had been promoted on various platforms in the days leading up to its launch. However, its release has been indefinitely postponed, and there has been complete silence from the makers regarding the delay. No statement has been made to address the song's cancellation, suggesting that the production house might be taking a step back from further promotion amid the national uproar.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Denies Film’s Release in India

Adding another major twist to the saga, sources within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have revealed that Abir Gulaal will not be released in India at all. While an official press release has not yet been issued, insiders confirm that the film has effectively been denied a release certificate in response to the surging controversy and public sentiment surrounding it.

The move has been interpreted as a strategic response to national sentiment and ongoing concerns about allowing films with cross-border elements to thrive during sensitive political climates. Though the film may find a release in international markets, its future in India now appears to be permanently stalled.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Led Initial Opposition Before the Attack

Prior to the Pahalgam incident, Abir Gulaal had already attracted controversy after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, voiced strong opposition to its release. The party has long maintained a firm stance against Pakistani artists working in India and had expressed outrage at the casting of Fawad Khan in a lead role. The MNS argued that supporting such projects weakens India’s position in its diplomatic relations and undermines national security concerns.

Their calls to ban the film gained momentum after the teaser was released on April 1. At that time, hashtags demanding the film’s ban began trending across social media, but the campaign intensified exponentially following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. For many, the film now symbolizes an unacceptable normalization of cultural exchange between the two neighboring nations during a time of conflict.

Public Reaction Fueled by Social Media and National Grief

Across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, thousands of users have expressed anger and disbelief over the film’s promotion during a time of national mourning. Many feel that the presence of a Pakistani actor in a major Indian release sends the wrong message in the wake of a deadly terror attack suspected to have cross-border implications.

Tweets calling for a boycott of the movie, its actors, and associated brands have gone viral. Influencers, political leaders, and citizens alike have united in demanding accountability and sensitivity from the Indian film industry when it comes to international casting decisions, especially with Pakistan.

There have also been protests reported outside theaters and production offices in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur, where activists have burned posters of Abir Gulaal and raised slogans denouncing the film’s creators.

Film’s Director and Cast Remain Silent

The silence from the film’s team has only added fuel to the fire. Director Aarti S Bagdi, known for her socially sensitive storytelling, has not issued any statement addressing either the terror attack or the backlash against her film. Similarly, lead actors Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan have remained silent on the matter. The rest of the ensemble cast—which includes Riddhi Dogra, Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, Parmeet Sethi, and Rahul Vohra—have also refrained from commenting.

This silence is being viewed by many as a lack of empathy or unwillingness to engage with the real issues facing the public. While some argue that the team may be waiting for the situation to stabilize before speaking, critics insist that now is the time for responsibility and transparency.

Scheduled for May 9 Release, Now in Limbo

Originally set to hit the screens on May 9, Abir Gulaal now appears to be indefinitely shelved in India. Whether the film will find distribution in other countries remains to be seen, but its journey in the Indian market seems to have ended before it began.

The controversy surrounding Abir Gulaal highlights the fragile intersection between art, politics, and national emotion—especially during times of tragedy. It also brings to light the ever-growing influence of social media in determining the fate of films and celebrities, where public sentiment can rapidly translate into real-world consequences.

As the country continues to grieve the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack, the entertainment industry is once again reminded of its role and responsibility in being sensitive to the pulse of the nation.