MNS' Ameya Khopkar Threatens Those Supporting Pakistani Actor Fawad Khan's Bollywood Film Abir Gulaal's Release In India

The much-anticipated Bollywood film Abir Gulal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, has landed in controversy even before its release. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has strongly opposed the film's screening in Maharashtra.

MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar reacted strongly to the film’s release date announcement, warning that the party will not allow the film to be screened in Maharashtra. He wrote on X, "No matter how many times we've said that Pakistani artists' films will not be allowed to release in India, some rotten apples still crop up. In such cases, it will be up to MNS Sainiks to throw them in the trash - and we will do it, and continue to do so."

"The film Abir Gulal will not be allowed to release in India, period. Those who wish to support Pakistani artists can do so, but remember, you are up against us," Ameya added.

पाकिस्तानी कलाकारांचे चित्रपट भारतात प्रदर्शित होऊ देणार नाही, हे इतक्या वेळा सांगूनही काही नासके आंबे उपटतातच. मग त्यांना कचऱ्यात टाकायचं काम मनसैनिकांनाच करावं लागणार आणि आम्ही ते करणार, करत राहणार… ‘अबीर गुलाल’ हा चित्रपट भारतात प्रदर्शित होऊ देणार नाही म्हणजे नाही. ज्यांना…

— Ameya Khopkar (@MNSAmeyaKhopkar) April 2, 2025

Earlier, speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, he further asserted, "We only learned about this film's release today when the makers announced it. But we are making it clear that we will not allow this film to release in Maharashtra because it features a Pakistani actor. 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."

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also commented on the controversy, stating that Indian audiences do not prefer watching films featuring Pakistani artists. He further advised Pakistani actors to focus on their own industry rather than seeking opportunities in India.

"There is widespread hatred for Pakistan in India. When a film from Pakistan is released, Indian audiences do not prefer watching it. Even if a few people watch it out of curiosity, Pakistani artists have never been able to gain widespread success in India," he reportedly said.

About Abir Gulal

The teaser of Abir Gulal, unveiled on April 1, features a romantic moment between Fawad and Vaani, where the actor is seen singing to the actress inside a car stuck in London traffic on a rainy evening.

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, the film follows the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence. The film, shot in the UK, is set for release on May 9, 2025.

Fawad's Bollywood journey and ban on Pakistani artists in India

Fawad made his Bollywood debut in 2014 with Khoobsurat, co-starring Sonam Kapoor, and later appeared in films like Kapoor & Sons (2016) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).

However, after the 2019 Pulwama attack, a ban was imposed on Pakistani artists working in India. The ban was lifted in 2023, and in 2024, Fawad announced the Indian release of his Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt. However, political opposition led to its theatrical release being withdrawn in India.