If you’ve followed South Asian cinema in the past decade, chances are you know who Fawad Khan is. The Pakistani superstar, known for his charming performances in Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, became one of the few actors who managed to win hearts across both sides of the border.
After years away from Bollywood, Khan is finally returning with Aabir Gulaal, a romantic comedy that has faced not just production delays but also political storms.
Set to release worldwide on August 29, 2025, Aabir Gulaal pairs Khan with Indian actress Vaani Kapoor in a film that has quietly transformed from a simple love story into a symbol of creative resilience.
The film was initially titled Abir Gulaal and was planned for release on May 9, 2025, marking Khan’s first Indian project in nearly nine years. But fate, as always, had its own script.
When the tragic Pahalgam terror attack struck on April 22, 2025, political tensions between India and Pakistan escalated instantly. Within days, Indian film bodies like the FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) renewed their demand for a ban on Pakistani artists. The timing could not have been worse. Abir Gulaal was just weeks away from release. The project was halted overnight.
For the filmmakers, it was a devastating setback. Months of planning, marketing, and anticipation suddenly vanished in the chaos of politics. But rather than shelving the movie entirely, the producers decided to take a bold turn: they would release the film internationally, bypassing India’s theatres and reaching directly to global audiences.
Aabir Gulaal, as it was retitled, found a new life. The film’s promotions started quietly in London, where it had been shot in late 2024. Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, who also wrote the screenplay, the movie was filmed across stunning London locations from the soft glow of Notting Hill cafés to the moody skyline along the River Thames. The cinematography captures both the nostalgia of lost love and the thrill of rediscovery.
The plot follows Aabir, played by Fawad Khan, a reserved artist who has distanced himself from his past, and Gulaal, played by Vaani Kapoor, a bold, free-spirited woman chasing her dreams in a foreign city. Their worlds collide in a way that’s both chaotic and beautiful. What begins as playful banter turns into an emotional journey about second chances, identity, and connection in a world increasingly defined by borders.
At first glance, it’s a romantic comedy. But at its heart, Aabir Gulaal is about what happens when love becomes an act of rebellion, a choice made not despite the walls between people, but because of them.
Born in Lahore and adored across continents, Khan became a cultural bridge between Pakistan and India. His charisma wasn’t loud; it was quiet, almost poetic, the kind that lingers. When he first appeared in Indian cinema, audiences saw in him something rare: subtlety, grace, and a sort of dignity that transcended language. His performances were less about spectacle and more about sincerity.
After the Uri attack in 2016, Pakistani artists were banned from working in Indian films. For Fawad Khan, who had just achieved stardom, it meant an abrupt disappearance. He returned home, focusing on projects like The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022), a monumental hit that redefined Pakistani cinema, and Money Back Guarantee (2023), a political satire that showcased his versatility. Yet for millions of his fans, there was always the lingering question of whether he would ever come back to Bollywood.
Director Aarti S. Bagdi, known for blending realism with emotional storytelling, described the film as “a bridge made of music, color, and heart.” She explained that the title itself carries metaphorical meaning: “Aabir” and “Gulaal” are both traditional colors of celebration, symbolizing joy and connection. “The story,” she said, “is about two people who meet as strangers in London but end up finding a sense of belonging in each other, something deeper than nationality or past wounds.”
Producer Avantika Hari added in an interview, “We wanted this film to stand for something bigger than just a romantic comedy. After the ban, we had to decide whether to wait for politics to change or to change the path ourselves. We chose the second.”
Their decision to move forward turned Aabir Gulaal into more than just a film; it became a quiet statement of artistic independence.
For Vaani Kapoor, this project marks a turning point in her career. Having starred in Befikre, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, and Shamshera, she was often recognized for her glamorous roles. But here, she transforms into something more grounded, a woman torn between ambition and emotion, independence and intimacy.
Critics who have seen early previews have praised her performance as “one of her most nuanced portrayals to date.” In interviews, Kapoor admitted that acting opposite Fawad Khan felt “natural and effortless,” describing him as an actor who “communicates more through silence than words.”
Behind the camera, the film’s production was an emotional roller-coaster. The crew had to navigate not only tight schedules and London’s unpredictable weather but also the uncertainty of whether the film would ever see the light of day. Even getting post-production done became complicated as distributors in India withdrew their commitments.
Still, the team kept going. In December 2024, they wrapped filming with an intimate celebration in Soho, marking the end of what had been one of the most challenging shoots of their careers. Composer Amit Trivedi joined the project soon after, crafting a soulful Indo-Western soundtrack that mirrors the story’s emotional range. Songs like “Dil Ke Rang Gulaal,” reportedly sung by Arijit Singh and Zeb Bangash, are already being called the “heart of the film.”
The release strategy for Aabir Gulaal is bold but bright. By focusing on overseas markets such as Dubai, London, Toronto, and Singapore, the filmmakers are targeting the global South Asian diaspora audiences who have followed both Bollywood and Pakistani cinema passionately for decades.
Trade experts believe this might be the film that redefines what “cross-border cinema” can look like. “The world is changing,” said analyst Komal Nahta. “Audiences no longer care where an actor is from. They care about emotion, story, and honesty. Aabir Gulaal can succeed because it delivers all three.”
Indeed, if the film performs well internationally, it could open the doors for future collaborations between Indian and Pakistani artists, something fans have been longing for since the bans began.
What makes Aabir Gulaal stand out isn’t just its backstory; it’s the tone of the film itself. It’s not a political film, yet every frame carries the weight of the politics that tried to silence it. It’s not an activist statement, yet its very existence feels like one.
Fawad Khan plays Aabir with a quiet intensity, a man haunted by memories, yet still hopeful. Vaani Kapoor’s Gulaal, on the other hand, embodies color and freedom, pulling him back into the light. Together, they create a narrative that’s not about two lovers defying borders, but about two souls finding home in each other when the world turns cold.
Nine years after his last Bollywood appearance, Khan seems more comfortable in his skin than ever. He doesn’t chase celebrity, doesn’t flood social media, and avoids controversy. Like Cillian Murphy, he’s an actor who values art over attention, a rare trait in modern cinema.
And perhaps that’s why his comeback matters so much. It isn’t loud; it’s poetic. It isn’t political; it’s human.
As the film nears release, promotions have begun softly with teaser clips, digital billboards in London, and trending hashtags like #AabirGulaal and #FawadReturns. Fans from India, Pakistan, and across the diaspora have flooded social media with excitement. One user wrote, “Borders can’t stop art, and Fawad Khan is proof.”
Whether Aabir Gulaal becomes a box-office hit or not, its story has already made history, serving as a reminder that love stories can still unite where politics divides.
As it stands in 2025, Fawad Khan is more than just a returning star. He’s a storyteller who carries two nations’ hopes on his shoulders, not with noise, but with quiet brilliance.
And Aabir Gulaal may well be the film that shows the world why art, no matter how fragile, always finds its way.
