Mumbai: Pakistani actor Fawad Khan starrer ‘Abir Gulaal’ has been facing backlash since the makers dropped the teaser of the film on April 1.
It marks his return to Indian cinema after nine years.
In light of the terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Film Federation heads have now strongly opposed the release of the film, featuring a Pakistani actor, in India.
Objecting to the film’s release, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association Ashoke Pandit said, “This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn’t the first time…these attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. People think ‘agar mere ghar ka aadmi nahi mara toh f**k it, I don’t care’, but if this film’s heroine or makers’ family members had been shot by the terrorist, they wouldn’t have worked (with Fawad).”
Pandit further criticised the Indian cricketers for playing matches against Pakistan in Dubai.
“People from our country go to London and Dubai to perform with Pakistani artists, same with cricket. Bol do nahi khelna cricket! Woh bandook se maar rahe hain, aur hum bat ball ke saath khel rahe hain unke saath. Public naraaz hai, aur bahar nikalke maaregi cricketers, artists, aur singers ko, things have reached a saturation point,” he said.
He added, “We will issue an order that anyone who works with Pakistani artists, will be boycotted by the industry.”
President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), BN Tiwari said, “We will not let ‘Abir Gulaal ‘release in India. Action will be taken against the makers (if they release the film).”
Earlier, several social media users had also expressed their discontent about the release of the film. While some sought a ban on it, others gave a boycott call.
Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, the film will also features Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor and is slated to release in theatres on May 9.
