After attacks on tourists in Pahalgam this Tuesday, the movie Abir Gulaal starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor has been suspended from release. Government sources also claim that the movie will not be released in India in the aftermath of the attacks.
It was scheduled to be released on 9th April, and was much-awaited as it marked Khan’s Bollywood comeback. He has earlier starred in many Bollywood movies, including Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Khoobsurat, and Kapoor and Sons. The I & B ministry has put a stay on the movie’s release in India, while Fawad Khan, among many other celebrities, has condemned the attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people.
In a post shared on Instagram, he wrote that the attack on tourists in Pahalgam is condemned, and he wishes for strength and healing for the families of the victims. The movie has made headlines ever since its announcement, especially by the people who did not want Khan to make his comeback. With the latest attacks, the situation has become worse. It is historically proven that whenever there has been political turmoil between the two countries, art and artists from both sides have suffered.
It shows the never-ending connection between politics and cinema. There have been many moves by the Indian government to retaliate against the attack, including cutting ties with the country diplomatically and moving to suspend the latest movie, reflecting the stance of the country.
