Pakistani superstar Mahira Khan has thrown her full support behind Aabeer Gulaal—the much-anticipated Bollywood romantic-drama that stars Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor. The film has released worldwide, but Pakistan and India have yet to screen it.
Mahira took to her Instagram stories to repost a post calling for the film’s release in Pakistan, and she added her own fiery endorsement: “Exactly! He is our star! Our cinemas will benefit from releasing the film too.”
Her comment comes as fans across the globe flock to theaters to watch the film, while Pakistani audiences remain deprived—all because the government has not granted the film clearance.
Originally scheduled for release on May 9, the film faced delays and ultimately got banned in India. It finally premiered on September 12 and has received a warm international reception, but it still hits a roadblock in Pakistan: the government has not issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Pakistan has not cleared the film for release due to its Indian origin. However, Aabeer Gulaal was shot entirely in London, and one of its three producers is a Pakistani living abroad.
Elsewhere, Aabeer Gulaal is earning critical acclaim wherever it screens. A major Indian news outlet published a glowing review, which the film’s official Instagram shared—and the review specifically praised Fawad’s magnetic performance: “Fawad Khan, as always, gives a delightful performance. His looks and smile ensure the battle is half won, while his subtle and impactful act takes care of the rest.”
Vaani Kapoor, though, has emerged as the surprise package; critics are hailing her performance as the best of her career. The review noted: “This is her best performance by miles, and viewers will be astonished to see her delivering like a seasoned performer.”
In a recent interview, Fawad spoke about the film’s tone, saying cinema has been lacking stories like this. “Everything now is very intense, dark, or dramatic—a thriller or too much blood and gore,” he explained. “This is more like a palate cleanser. The best foods use the simplest ingredients, where you can taste everything individually. That only happens when there’s no complication, so this film is that kind of meal.”
Fawad also opened up about the film’s rocky path to release: “I was very worried. There was a lot of pressure around the film’s release. But my belief in the story and its message helped me push forward.”
As Aabeer Gulaal wins hearts across the globe, everyone is left asking: When will Pakistan give the film the green light to do the same there?
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