Islamabad, Apr 27, 2025: Pakistani filmmakers and entertainment industry figures have voiced their reactions to the recent ban imposed by India on the Bollywood film Abir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan.
The ban, enforced by the Indian Film Federation, has stirred significant debate among the film community.
Filmmaker Nabeel Qureshi has called on the Pakistani government to require actors to obtain a no-objection certificate (NoC) before participating in Indian projects.
He stressed that, in light of the Indian cinema industry’s actions, Pakistan should follow suit. “It’s a matter of national dignity,” Qureshi remarked in a recent interview. “In the future, as India continues to impose such bans, our government should mandate that actors secure an NoC before working in India.”
Qureshi further emphasized the importance of integrity, urging Pakistani actors to maintain their honor both as artists and citizens. “We must consider the nature of the country we’re dealing with. India doesn’t welcome us, regardless of the situation, including recent tragic events like the Pahalgam terror attack,” he stated.
The ban on Abir Gulaal’s release in India now seems inevitable, with ongoing speculation surrounding the film’s fate. “This was expected,” noted Kamran Jawaid, a respected Pakistani film critic. “Had it not been the Pahalgam incident, some other reason—whether legitimate or not—would have caused the same outcome.”
The movie’s promotional efforts initially kicked off in Dubai with a music launch event. However, two of its songs, Khudaya Ishq and Angreji Rangrasiya, have been taken down from YouTube in India following the Pahalgam attack. Jawaid explained, “It was not unexpected. If it weren’t for Pahalgam, it could have been another issue, big or small, justified or not.”
In Pakistan, Abir Gulaal is expected to receive a warm reception from local audiences.
Yet, given the Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ (FWICE) stance against Pakistan, film critics believe the movie’s potential release in India is highly unlikely. “Nobody wants to get involved in a situation that would complicate matters further,” Jawaid added.
Nadeem Mandviwalla, a leading film distributor and owner of a cinema in Karachi, acknowledged that India’s ban on the film makes sense under the current political climate.
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“There are allegations that Pakistan also blocked the movie’s release,” Mandviwalla said. “Actors should always promote peace and love, and it’s commendable when both sides try to build bridges through cinema.”
Jawaid, however, suggested that Pakistani actors should focus on enhancing the quality of local productions rather than chasing Bollywood deals.
“Given the tense relationship between Pakistan and India, actors should not simply pursue Bollywood collaborations for the larger audience or better pay,” he said. “The notion that ‘art transcends borders’ only works when there’s mutual respect and collaboration between both industries.”
