Fawad Khan's Bollywood Comeback 'Abir Gulaal' Faces Opposition from Raj Thackeray's MNS in Maharashtra

Fawad Khan is all set to make his Bollywood comeback with ‘Abir Gulaal.’ The teaser of the same was released on Tuesday, and Fawad’s fans were more than happy to know that their beloved star is all set to entertain them again. However, it appears this comeback will not be without its fair share of troubles. A few hours after the teaser release, the movie landed in trouble as Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) opposed the film’s release in Maharashtra.
“We only learned about this film’s release today when the makers announced it. But we are making it clear that we will not allow this film to release in Maharashtra because it features a Pakistani actor. Under no circumstances will we permit such films to be released in the state. We are gathering more information about the film and will soon issue a full statement," MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar told Dainik Bhaskar.
Reacting to the controversy, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam added, “There is widespread hatred for Pakistan in India. When a film from Pakistan is released, Indian audiences do not prefer watching it. Even if a few people watch it out of curiosity, Pakistani artists have never been able to gain widespread success in India."
Sanjay continued, “if the central government has a policy on this, it should be implemented. The decision on whether Pakistani films should be released in India or if their artists should be allowed to work here must be made by the government."
Headlined by Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, ‘Abir Gulaal’ is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi. The movie went on the floors late in September 2024, unfolded across picturesque locales in and around London and concluded a 40-day schedule in the British capital.