The much-hyped Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan and Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor, has finally released across international markets—but not in India. Unfortunately, the film that was meant to mark Fawad Khan’s grand Bollywood comeback after nine years has turned into a critical disappointment.
Banned in India After Pahalgam Terror Attack
Originally scheduled for a May 9, 2025 release, Abir Gulaal faced a sudden ban in India following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, where Lashkar-linked terrorists killed 27 tourists earlier this year. The attack escalated political tensions, resulting in a ban on Pakistani artistes and even restrictions on Pakistani content across Indian social media platforms and YouTube. While global audiences got to see the film on September 12, Indian viewers remain barred.
Critics Call It “Frustrating” and “Cheap”
International reviews have been brutally honest.
- BBC Asian Network critic Haroon Rashid described it as “one of the most frustrating romantic dramas I’ve watched in a very long time,” calling the storyline “incoherent and inconsistent,” and lamenting the “injustice to the talent you’re working with.”
- Gulf News criticized the film’s slow pacing and unnecessary subplots, labeling it “padded and bloated,” while adding that Lisa Haydon’s cameo “adds nothing to the narrative.”
- Khaleej Times blamed “sloppy editing and half-baked characters,” calling the experience “dragged” and unsatisfying.
A Missed Opportunity for Fawad Khan’s Comeback
This project was supposed to be Fawad Khan’s triumphant return after hits like Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). Instead, critics say the film barely taps into his natural charm and charisma. Haroon Rashid noted that the movie relies on Fawad and Vaani merely “looking good on screen and hoping everything else will fall into place.”
Direction and Production Woes
Directed by Aarti S Bagdi and produced by Vivek Agrawal, Abir Gulaal suffers from choppy editing, weak color grading, and inconsistent visuals. Reviewers point out that its “cheap look” undermines the sweeping romantic narrative it aimed to deliver. The soundtrack, while atmospheric, fails to elevate the dull pacing.
Storyline and Performances
Abir Gulaal aims to be a layered romantic drama set against a turbulent socio-political backdrop. However, critics point to an inconsistent and padded narrative that struggles to keep viewers engaged. BBC Asian Network’s Haroon Rashid called it “one of the most frustrating romantic dramas in a very long time,” adding that despite Fawad’s natural charisma and Vaani Kapoor’s effortless presence, the script offers little beyond “looking good on screen.”
Gulf News echoed similar sentiments, citing slow pacing and “bloated” scenes. Lisa Haydon’s cameo, though a welcome surprise, felt unnecessary to many reviewers. The Khaleej Times noted that “sloppy editing and half-baked characters leave us with loose ends everywhere.”
Visuals and Technical Aspects
Critics highlighted a lack of polish in the technical department. Haroon Rashid mentioned poor color grading and an overall “cheap” visual finish, which failed to do justice to the film’s ambitious themes. While the cinematography occasionally captures Kashmir’s natural beauty, inconsistent editing dilutes its impact.
Audience Reception Abroad
Outside India, the film has sparked debate. Some international viewers appreciate its attempt to blend cross-border romance with political undertones, while others found the pacing and narrative structure challenging. Social media discussions suggest that audiences were eager to witness Fawad Khan’s return, but the storytelling left many underwhelmed.
Final Verdict
Abir Gulaal is an ambitious yet uneven cinematic effort. The film benefits from Fawad Khan’s magnetic screen presence and Vaani Kapoor’s charm, but its slow-moving plot and lack of narrative cohesion hold it back. For fans of Fawad and Vaani, it’s worth watching to see their on-screen chemistry, but expectations of a tightly woven romantic drama might lead to disappointment.
This Abir Gulaal Review highlights a film that sought to be profound and politically relevant but struggles with execution. Despite its flaws, the movie remains an important cultural conversation piece—particularly as it marks Fawad Khan’s significant, if challenging, return to Bollywood screens.
