Mumbai: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has issued fresh threats to Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s upcoming film ‘Abir Gulaal.’
Stating that the casting of Pakistani actor Fawad goes against the agreement that was made after a meeting of the producers’ guild with CM Devendra Fadnavis and their party president Raj Thackeray in 2016, Ameya Khopkar, head of the Chitrapat wing of MNS, told media about the protest.
“We have been protesting against this film, against Pakistani artists and Pakistani films. And we will continue to do so. No film will be released here featuring Pakistani artists. And there is no need to release it. I just want to say, show the courage to release it. I challenge you to release it. In 2016, we had a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Raj Thackeray was also there,” Khopkar said.
“Some of the producers’ associations were also there. That’s when we decided to release the film that was made earlier. After that, no Pakistani film or film about Pakistani artists would be made here. The producers’ association had written a letter to Devendra Fadnavis. Now, I challenge the makers of ‘Abir Gulaal’ to release the film here in Maharashtra,” he added.
Amid the threats and protests from political parties, a myriad of movie buffs seem to be thrilled to have Fawad back on the silver screen, as they took to social media to share their views.
“Yay! Happy seeing Fawad! That’s a nice surprise! It seems promising and sweet romance/ fluffy/comfy vibes wala movie after ages is a chef’s kiss.Hoping they’ll serve,” a user commented on Reddit.
Another expressed, “Yayyy Fawad is back😍😍😍 Hands down the most charming compared to current Bolly heroes !! He is always better suited for the ML in full time romance flicks rather than being second lead! And this looks good.”
One user shared, “EVERYBODY CALM DOWN IT’S HAPPENING KSKDKDKDKLRLROROWOWKWJEJEJJEEJ 😭😭😭😭😭✋🏻✋🏻✋🏻✋🏻✋🏻 my man is coming back and that too with a SOLID ROMCOM and a BANGING music album I’m sure.”
Another person wrote, “Some of us wanna see Fawad, and we will surely watch him. Every movie has its audience.. Fawad is so gooddd. I mean look at his eyes. I am so seated!”
Some others were not happy about the casting of Fawad.
“How hard is it to not cast a Pakistani actor or artist?? Especially when common people don’t even want to see them??? Love what’s happening to Bollywood aka the slow demise,” opined one netizen.
Another claimed, “Do we lack actors in India? 🧐🧐 Auditions rakho na, acche, good looking actors mil jaenge!”
Another commented, “Why are Pakistanis allowed to act in Bollywood? No self respect.”
Fawad was last seen in Karan Johar’s 2016 film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.’
Ties between India and Pakistan got strained after the Uri terror attack on the Indian armed forces.
