Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor much awaited rom-com ‘Aabeer Gulaal’ had its global release on September 12, 2025. However, the film has skipped its theatrical release in India following the Pahalgam terror attack and controversy surrounding Fawad Khan’s participation.
In recent days, reports suggested the film might see an India release on September 26, but the Press Information Bureau (PIB) swiftly dismissed the claims. Taking to social media, PIB clarified: “It is being claimed by several media outlets that the film Aabeer Gulaal starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor will release in Indian cinemas on September 26, 2025. #PIBFactCheck. This claim is FAKE. No such clearance has been granted for this film.”
It is being claimed by several media outlets that the film “Aabeer Gulaal” starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor will release in Indian cinemas on September 26, 2025.#PIBFactCheck
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) September 13, 2025
❌ This claim is FAKE
✅ No such clearance has been granted for this film. pic.twitter.com/DQJEGzb67q
Also Read: Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor’s ‘Aabeer Gulaal’ to release in India THIS September? Reports hint at it
Earlier, Bollywood Hungama had reported that Aabeer Gulaal was set for an India release on September 26. The outlet quoted a source as saying that the makers were confident in the film’s universal appeal as a “simple and sweet love story”. The source reveled, “They are confident of the product and feel that the film, which is a simple and sweet love story, has the potential to attract the audience everywhere, including India. Moreover, no other film is scheduled for a release on September 26 and hence, ‘Aabeer Gulaal’ will enjoy a solo release in the country.”
The movie was supposed to mark Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s comeback in Bollywood but it faced intense scrutiny. The film, which was originally scheduled for release on May 9, was not allowed to release in India. Film Federations in India openly opposed the release of the film and had also warned the makers of taking action against them. As a result, while ‘Abir Gulaal’ released globally on September 12, its release in India was blocked similar to what happened with Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Sardarji 3’, which released overseas but faced hurdles in India due to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir.
About Abir Gulal
Abir Gulal is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Vivek Agrawal, is a romantic comedy about unexpected connections, second chances, and learning to make space for love. It also stars Vaani Kapoor and Ridhi Dogra. IMDb description states, “Two wounded souls, brought together by chance, find solace in each other’s company and gradually develop a profound connection that blossoms into love.”
Also Read: Aabeer Gulaal review: Classy ambrosial excursion into romcom territory
