Islamabad, May 5, 2025: Prakash Raj has voiced support for Abir Gulaal, a film starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan that is currently facing backlash in parts of India.
His comments come as pressure mounts to block the film’s release, with critics labeling its themes as politically sensitive.
Speaking at a recent event, Raj opposed the growing trend of banning films, saying that such actions create fear and restrict artistic expression in a democratic society.
He emphasized that cinema should not be silenced over political differences or cross-border tensions.
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Raj stated that he does not support banning any film, regardless of its ideological stance.
In his view, audiences are capable of deciding what they want to watch, and should not be denied the opportunity by censorship or unofficial restrictions.
Abir Gulaal, which reportedly explores issues of identity and conflict, has sparked concern among some political groups.
While the film has not been formally banned by the government, reports suggest there are behind-the-scenes efforts to delay or discourage its release through unofficial channels.
Known for consistently defending freedom of speech and creative independence, Raj warned that allowing films to be blocked based on cast or content sets a dangerous precedent.
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He added that suppressing voices in art leads society down a path toward cultural control and intolerance.
The controversy has once again ignited discussion around cross-border artistic collaborations, particularly involving Pakistani talent in Indian cinema.
Such partnerships have frequently been subject to political scrutiny, especially during times of diplomatic strain between the two countries.
Observers say that although Abir Gulaal breaks no laws, the current climate makes it difficult to release films with sensitive topics or cross-border talent.
