Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor starrer romantic film garner backlash; here’s why

Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan’s upcoming movie Abir Gulaal has drawn criticism few hours after the teaser was released. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has vehemently opposed the movie’s release in the state. Ashoke Pandit, the president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association and a producer, appears to be against the movie’s release as well.

MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar told Dainik Bhaskar that he only learned about the movie’s release after it was announced. He further emphasized that because the movie stars a Pakistani actor, they will not permit its release in the state.

“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,” he said.

Sanjay Nirupam, the leader of the Shiv Sena, also offered his thoughts on the subject, asserting that there is “widespread hatred for Pakistan in India.”

He stated in an interview with News 18 that Indian viewers typically don’t want to see Pakistani films, and even if they do, it doesn’t become very popular in the region.

Instead of looking for work in India, he advised Pakistani artists to focus on their own film business. He emphasized the need of upholding the central government’s policy. He added that it is up to the government to choose whether Pakistani films should be shown in the nation and whether its artists should be permitted to work here.

But, in an interview with India Today, renowned producer Ashoke Pandit said he has been informed that Abir Gulaal is not a production supported by an Indian studio. Although the film is not legally prohibited, he claimed that following the Pulwama attack, producer associations have opposed Pakistani artistes performing in Indian cinema.

“We absolutely do not encourage artists from Pakistan to work here. We would appeal to the CBFC to look into the matter. We cannot have the film released in India. We have earlier also issued a non-cooperation against producers who work with people from Pakistan,” he stated. He asserted that none of their technicians will collaborate with Indians involved with the project again.