Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan is finally making a long-awaited return to the big screen with his upcoming film Abir Gulal, which is scheduled for a worldwide release on August 29, 2025. Known for his selective approach to projects, Fawad has captivated audiences with his powerful performances in dramas like Humsafar and blockbuster films like The Legend of Maula Jatt. The announcement marks an exciting new chapter for the actor after nearly a decade away from Bollywood due to political tensions.
Fawad Khan’s Career and Bollywood Ban
Fawad Khan became a household name in Pakistan and India after the massive success of Humsafar. His transition to films included several Pakistani projects and a brief yet memorable stint in Bollywood, where he starred in Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
However, following the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, relations between India and Pakistan soured, leading the Indian government to ban Pakistani artists from working in their entertainment industry. The move halted Fawad’s Bollywood career just as it was gaining momentum.
Abir Gulal’s Troubled Journey to Release
The film Abir Gulal was initially expected to mark Fawad Khan’s comeback to Indian cinema after nine years, opposite Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor. Unfortunately, the release was postponed indefinitely in May 2025 due to renewed Pak-India tensions.
During the delay, Fawad Khan faced criticism from some quarters for not taking a public stance against India’s ban, while Vaani Kapoor reportedly removed all photos with him from her social media accounts. The situation left fans uncertain about the fate of the film.
Now, in a positive turn of events, producers have confirmed that Abir Gulal will finally see the light of day. The film will be released worldwide—similar to the distribution strategy of Sardar Ji 3—but will not be screened in India.
Worldwide Release Date Locked
According to official reports, Abir Gulal will premiere globally on August 29, 2025. This release will allow fans from Pakistan, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and other regions to watch the film on the big screen. The producers hope that bypassing the Indian market will not affect the film’s financial success, as Pakistani cinema continues to gain an international audience.
Industry analysts point to the success of The Legend of Maula Jatt—which grossed over PKR 300 crore worldwide—as proof that films from Pakistan can perform exceptionally well without Indian box office revenue.
Fawad Khan’s Selective Project Choices
One of the defining traits of Fawad Khan’s career is his careful selection of roles. He has often expressed that he prefers quality over quantity, which is why his filmography remains small but impactful. His portrayal of nuanced characters in dramas and films has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
With Abir Gulal, Fawad returns to a romantic drama genre, which many fans associate with his earlier successes. While details about the storyline remain under wraps, early reports suggest that the film will explore themes of love, separation, and cultural identity—topics that resonate deeply with audiences across borders.
The Global Film Market and Pakistani Cinema
The release of Abir Gulal comes at a time when Pakistani films are gaining more visibility internationally. The growing influence of streaming platforms and global film festivals has created opportunities for actors like Fawad Khan to reach audiences beyond South Asia.
In recent years, Pakistani films have made notable appearances at events such as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Busan International Film Festival. This trend, combined with strong diaspora support, is expected to help Abir Gulal perform well at the box office despite its absence from Indian theatres.
Promotion and International Premieres
Reports indicate that Fawad Khan has already completed shooting for Abir Gulal and is now focused on promoting it internationally. Promotional tours are planned for Dubai, London, Toronto, and Sydney in the months leading up to the release.
The marketing campaign will also leverage social media, where Fawad enjoys a massive following. His fan base, spanning Pakistan, India (despite the ban), and the global diaspora, is expected to generate significant buzz around the film.
The confirmation of Abir Gulal’s worldwide release date is great news for fans of Fawad Khan, who have been waiting nearly a decade to see him in a major cross-border project. While the political situation has prevented its release in India, the film’s global strategy ensures that audiences across the world will still be able to enjoy it.
For Fawad, this marks not just a return to cinema but a reaffirmation of his status as one of the most bankable and respected names in the Pakistani entertainment industry. Whether Abir Gulal matches the success of The Legend of Maula Jatt remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—on August 29, 2025, Fawad Khan will once again command the big screen.
