The Pakistani film “Abir Gulaal” starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor was set to release in India on May 9. However, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the film’s release has been blocked in India. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting intervened, halting the film’s release. As a result, the film’s promotional content, including its songs, has been removed from Indian platforms. The songs “Khudaya Ishq” and “Angrezi Rangrasia” were taken down from YouTube India. These songs were originally uploaded to the official channel of production house A Richer Lens Entertainment and were also available on music label Saregama’s YouTube channel.
Backlash Against the Film
The terrorist attack, which resulted in the deaths of 22 tourists, sparked widespread outrage. Social media users began calling for a boycott of “Abir Gulaal,” with many criticizing Vaani Kapoor for her involvement in the film. The hashtag campaign against her gained traction, with many demanding that she be boycotted. The film’s Pakistani lead, Fawad Khan, was also at the center of controversy due to his country’s connection to the terrorist attack.
Removal of Promotional Content
The decision to remove the film’s promotional content from Indian platforms was likely a response to the growing backlash. The songs, which were previously available on YouTube India, are now inaccessible to Indian viewers. This move is seen as a measure to avoid further inflaming tensions and to show respect for the victims of the terrorist attack. The film’s producers and stars have yet to release an official statement regarding the situation.