The much-anticipated Abir Gulal movie has once again brought Fawad Khan into the international spotlight. Initially teased in April 2025, the film was expected to release in May. However, rising tensions between Pakistan and India forced the producers to postpone the release and remove its teaser and trailer from YouTube. Now, after months of uncertainty, the Abir Gulal movie has finally premiered worldwide — except in Pakistan and India — on September 12.
Abir Gulal Movie: A Global Release Without Pakistan and India
According to the film’s official Instagram account, the Abir Gulal movie has been released in multiple countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Gulf News, a well-known regional publication, praised the movie for its gripping storyline and strong visuals, highlighting the growing impact of South Asian cinema on global audiences.
Despite its international release, no official announcement has been made regarding the film’s availability in Pakistani cinemas. Similarly, in India, the film also remains unreleased. This situation is disappointing for fans in both countries, especially since the film stars actors who are deeply admired on both sides of the border.
Fawad Khan’s Return Through Abir Gulal Movie
One of the most significant aspects of the Abir Gulal movie is the comeback of Fawad Khan in Indian cinema after nearly a decade. He was last seen in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2015, a film that performed strongly at the box office. His return has created buzz not only among Pakistani fans but also among Indian audiences who admired his earlier performances in Bollywood hits like Khoobsurat and Kapoor & Sons.
For Fawad Khan, the Abir Gulal movie marks more than just another role; it symbolizes his re-entry into cross-border projects at a time when cultural exchanges remain strained between the two nations.
Challenges Faced by Abir Gulal Movie Release
The postponement of the Abir Gulal movie highlights how sensitive political conditions often affect the entertainment industry in South Asia. When tensions between Pakistan and India escalated earlier this year, many collaborative artistic efforts were either delayed or canceled. For this film, the impact was clear: its teaser and trailer were removed from YouTube, and its release was pushed back indefinitely.
By September, the producers made the strategic decision to release the movie globally but excluded Pakistan and India, reflecting the difficulty of launching high-profile projects in politically tense environments.
Global Reception of Abir Gulal Movie
While audiences in Pakistan and India are still waiting, international viewers have already expressed their admiration for the Abir Gulal movie. Reports suggest that the film’s story is both emotionally engaging and visually stunning. Positive commentary from publications like Gulf News further proves that the movie resonates with audiences beyond South Asia.
The growing presence of South Asian actors like Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, and Imran Ashraf in international projects shows a trend: South Asian talent is gaining recognition on global platforms, even when political barriers limit regional releases.
Comparisons with Other Recent Projects
Interestingly, before the release of the Abir Gulal movie, other Pakistani actors were seen in cross-border films. Imran Ashraf starred in an Indian-Canadian Punjabi production, while Hania Aamir also appeared in an Indo-Canadian Punjabi film. Unlike Abir Gulal, both of those movies managed to secure screenings in Pakistan, highlighting the inconsistent nature of film releases depending on political climates.
This inconsistency raises questions about the accessibility of cinema as an art form. Fans in Pakistan and India remain deprived of watching some of the biggest releases featuring their favorite stars, while international audiences enjoy them without barriers.
Cultural Impact of Abir Gulal Movie
The Abir Gulal movie is not just about entertainment; it reflects the broader cultural dynamics between Pakistan and India. While relations between the two countries remain tense, they are no longer at war. This opens the door to potential collaboration in art and cinema in the future.
Films like Abir Gulal highlight the shared cultural and artistic heritage of the subcontinent, showing that audiences on both sides of the border still crave content that resonates with their experiences and identities.
Will Abir Gulal Movie Release in Pakistan and India?
For now, there is no confirmation on whether the Abir Gulal movie will hit cinemas in Pakistan or India. Industry observers believe that the decision will depend on political circumstances and censorship policies in both countries. Fans, however, remain hopeful that they will eventually be able to watch the film legally in local cinemas.
As South Asian cinema continues to grow in global markets, films like Abir Gulal serve as a reminder of the region’s storytelling power. With its star-studded cast, compelling storyline, and international acclaim, this movie has all the ingredients of success. The only missing piece is its release in the countries where its actors hail from — Pakistan and India.
