Fawad Khan's 'Abir Gulaal' marks his long-awaited return to Indian cinema in 2025

Following a 37-day shoot in London, Fawad Khan's long-awaited romantic comedy 'Abir Gulaal' is finally ready to release in cinemas in 2025. It will mark the Pakistani heart-throb's first release on Indian screens in nearly nine years. Khan's last work released in Bollywood was 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' 2016; in respect to the Indian release delay, 2022 witnessed for The Legend of Maula Jatt, viewers feel, 'Abir Gulaal' is some serious sort of comeback the film required from the lead artist himself.



In the romantic saga, Fawad plays the character of Abir, while Vaani Kapoor would get to essay Gulaal-a traditional woman from Jaipur. The movie is titled with the names of the lead actors. 'Abir Gulaal' began shooting on the floor from the last week of September 2023 with 40 days of schedule that were completed in 37 days. Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Parmeet Sethi, and Soni Razdan make up the supporting cast. A few scenes were planned to be shot in Mumbai; however, the entire film was shot in London because the story is set in the British capital.

The film crew was finalized, and most of the main technicians have flown in from India, such as designer Sheetal Sharma. Post-production work has already begun; only half of Fawad Khan's dubbing left to be completed. The producers are eyeing a theatrical release between early to mid-2025.

'Abir Gulaal' is a landmark in Bollywood's relationship with Pakistani talent. Bollywood was banned to collaborate cross border with Pakistani artists after the 2016 Uri attack and October 2023 Bombay high court ruled against a petition requesting the ban on cross border collaboration between the two countries. The judge said that such restrictions will not help in getting a peaceful, united place or cultural harmony. This decision is hopeful for the film makers of 'Abir Gulaal', as they are confident that the journey from here is smooth to cinemas.


Producer Vivek B. Agrawal, who has produced 'Udta Punjab' (2016) and 'Vikram Vedha' (2022) earlier, believes that 'Abir Gulaal' will hit the silver screen as it is an Indian production with a heart-warming, universal story. Fans of Fawad Khan are eagerly waiting for his comeback in Indian cinema and this romantic comedy is surely going to be a sweet return for the actor.