Mumbai, August 11, 2025: Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan’s much-delayed and politically controversial film Abeer Gulaal will finally hit global cinemas on August 29, 2025, under a new title, Aabir Gulaal, according to Indian media reports.
Originally scheduled for release on May 12, the film was postponed following a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, in late April, which left several people dead. In the aftermath, India accused Pakistan of involvement — allegations Islamabad has repeatedly and strongly denied.
The incident triggered a fresh wave of cultural restrictions, including bans on Pakistani artists and YouTube channels. With Fawad Khan in the lead role, Abeer Gulaal was placed under an indefinite ban in India.
The Times of India now reports that the film has been retitled and given a new release date. However, industry analysts predict it will not see an official release in India due to the prevailing backlash against Pakistani artists.
Instead, Aabir Gulaal is expected to follow the strategy used for the Indian Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, which skipped the Indian market but earned strong returns internationally.
The makers are now banking on overseas audiences to drive box office success for the film.
