Mumbai, May 4: Actor Prakash Raj has voiced strong opposition to the reported ban on Abir Gulaal, the upcoming romantic drama starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, which was set for release in India on May 9.
The film faced political heat and public backlash following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, prompting government sources to tell PTI that the movie “will not be allowed to release in India.”
In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Prakash Raj said, “I’m not for any banning of films, whether it’s right-wing or a propaganda film. Let people decide. People have the right. You can’t ban films, unless it’s pornography or about child abuse. But thought process? So what? Let them come, no!”
The actor further criticised what he called a growing culture of fear and outrage being enabled by those in power. “Today, anybody can get hurt. ‘I’ll cut the nose of Deepika Padukone! I’ll behead her!’ Shah Rukh Khan… just because of a colour? Besharam Rang, na… They can make a hue and cry about anything they want. And the present power is letting that happen, to create fear in society.”
Raj’s comments referenced past controversies, including threats made against actor Deepika Padukone during the Padmaavat protests and the backlash over the saffron bikini worn by Deepika in the Pathaan song Besharam Rang.
Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Vivek Agrawal, marks what would have been Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood. However, in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and renewed tensions between India and Pakistan, its future in Indian theatres appears uncertain.
In a parallel move, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its stance, calling for a complete boycott of Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians. The industry body underscored its directive of “non-cooperation with all Pakistani nationals in Indian entertainment.”
Read more: Calls to Boycott Pakistani Actor’s Film Over Pahalgam Attack
