‘Abir Gulaal’ Faces Nationwide Ban Call Amid Pahalgam Terror Attack Outrage; Film Bodies Warn of Strict Action

Abir Gulaal Ban in India — In the wake of the blood-curdling terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed 26 innocent lives, outrage has gripped the nation. Amid this emotional storm, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s upcoming film Abir Gulaal has landed in hot water, with leading film industry bodies in India calling for an outright ban on its release.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) have issued stern warnings to the makers of Abir Gulaal, saying that any attempt to release the film in India will be met with “strict and severe” consequences.

“This is not just a film. This is a matter of national honour.”

Ashoke Pandit, President of IFTDA, expressed his anguish in a strongly worded statement:

“This terror attack is not an isolated event. It’s part of a 30-year-old war against our nation. At a time when families are mourning, how can we allow the release of a film that features a Pakistani artist? The nation must come first—before cinema, before art, before everything.”

Pandit added that working with Pakistani talent, especially after such heinous acts, sends a “dangerous and insensitive message.”

BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, echoed similar sentiments:

“We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. If the makers go ahead with the release, action will be taken against them. No compromises will be made.”

Fawad Khan Breaks Silence

Fawad Khan, who stars in Abir Gulaal, issued a brief statement on Instagram, expressing sorrow over the attack:

“Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”

However, his message has done little to calm the growing anger among Indian citizens and political leaders, many of whom have questioned the sincerity of his statement.

Pahalgam Turns into a War Zone

The tragic incident took place on Tuesday in Baisaran Valley—often dubbed ‘Mini Switzerland’—a popular destination for honeymooners and vacationers. Terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on a group of tourists, killing 26 and injuring dozens. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed terror outfit, has claimed responsibility for the massacre.

In response, Indian authorities have sealed the border with Pakistan and restricted the existing visa regime to only special cases. A nationwide manhunt for the terrorists is currently underway.

The Nation Reacts

The call for a ban on Abir Gulaal isn’t just limited to film bodies. Hashtags like #BanAbirGulaal and #JusticeForPahalgamVictims are trending across social media platforms. Citizens are urging the government to stand firm and uphold national sentiment over entertainment.

As India mourns its dead, the entertainment industry finds itself at a moral and cultural crossroads. While art has no boundaries, patriotism does. And at this moment, the people have spoken loud and clear: No tolerance for terror, no stage for silence.