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Aabeer Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, to release overseas on September 12, 2025, after facing delays and backlash in India.
Aabeer Gulaal marks Fawad Khan’s comeback in Bollywood. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Months after its release was halted in India following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, Aabeer Gulaal is finally set for an overseas theatrical release. The romantic drama starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan alongside Indian actor Vaani Kapoor will hit theatres across 75 countries, excluding India, on September 12, 2025. The announcement was made by director Aarti S Bagdi, who also shared the trailer on Instagram, confirming the revised date.
The Film’s Rocky Journey
The much-anticipated trailer of Aabeer Gulaal was originally uploaded to YouTube India in April 2025 but was swiftly taken down in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. The incident reignited calls to boycott Pakistani artists in Indian projects, sparking a major controversy around the film.
Initially, the film was scheduled to release in India on May 9, 2025, marking what would have been Fawad Khan’s comeback to Indian cinema. However, backlash from trade organisations, including the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), pressured distributors to indefinitely postpone its release.
By August, reports suggested the film would be screened worldwide, except in India, on August 29. However, the director has now confirmed that audiences will finally see the movie on September 12, 2025.
Aabeer Gulaal’s Makers and Release Plans
Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Aabeer Gulaal is produced by Indian Stories and A Richer Lens Entertainment, with Vivek Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy backing the project. Despite the controversy, the film has generated significant interest for its cross-border casting and emotional storyline.
Fawad Khan, who enjoys massive popularity in India for his past work in films like Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, was expected to make a powerful return through this project. Paired with Vaani Kapoor, known for her performances in Befikre and War, the film has built anticipation among fans worldwide.
Though Indian audiences may miss its theatrical release, global viewers will finally get to watch the much-delayed project. With the official confirmation from the director herself, Aabeer Gulaal now seems poised to reach screens abroad after months of uncertainty and controversy.
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
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September 05, 2025, 23:16 IST
