The much-awaited romantic-drama Aabeer Gulaal, starring Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan, is finally gearing up for its release in India on September 26, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama.
The film, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, had its world premiere on September 12 but initially skipped Indian screens due to political sensitivities. A source confirmed that Indian Stories Limited (UK), the team behind the film, believes its heartfelt narrative and relatable characters will resonate with Indian audiences.
With no other major release slated for that week, the film is expected to enjoy a solo run at the box office. However, an official confirmation from the makers is still awaited.
Aabeer Gulaal marks Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated return to Indian cinema after nearly a decade. His last Bollywood appearance was in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
The film was originally scheduled to release in India on May 9, but its release was halted following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. In the aftermath, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) imposed a ban on Pakistani artists, explicitly warning production houses, actors, and technicians against collaborating with them.
FWICE also issued a strong statement in April, making it clear that disciplinary action would be taken against those violating the directive and that they would block the film’s release in India.
Despite these hurdles, the upcoming release signals renewed interest in cross-border artistic collaborations. Alongside Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, the film features an ensemble cast including Lisa Haydon, Riddhi Dogra, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, Parmeet Sethi, Rahul Vora, and Amrit Sandhu.
Produced by Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy, the movie promises an old-school romance with layered storytelling.
The plot follows Gulaal (played by Vaani Kapoor), a young woman who escapes an arranged marriage in India and relocates to London. There, she crosses paths with Aabeer (played by Fawad Khan), a guarded restaurateur burdened by his troubled past.
The narrative explores love, healing, and rediscovery, offering audiences a tender cinematic experience. With its emotional depth and a star-studded lineup, Aabeer Gulaal is set to capture hearts when it finally arrives in Indian theatres this September.
