New Delhi: Even before the controversy surrounding the India release of Fawad Khan starrer Maula Jatt died down, it’s been announced the Pakistani actor is shooting a rom-com with Indian actor Vani Kapoor in London.
According to a Variety report, Khan and Kapoor are filming Abir Gulaal in the UK. This will be Khan’s first Bollywood movie after eight years.
Filmfare had earlier reported that they were set to star together in an upcoming film. While project details remain under wraps, Variety said that pre-production had concluded. Filming is scheduled to take place in October and November in London.
Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal, is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures.
Bagdi described the movie as “a heartfelt exploration of two individuals who inadvertently aid each other in their healing journeys, with love blossoming unexpectedly along the way”.
The producers are banking on Fawad’s “massive global fan base”. “We anticipate that audiences and his fans will wholeheartedly embrace this film, as it showcases him in his most endearing role yet. The chemistry between Fawad and Vaani is expected to light up the screen with their captivating performances and undeniable charm,” the producers told Variety.
Also read: Fawad Khan’s Maula Jatt stalled in Punjab. Just business, not agenda film, says distributor
Concerns of chemistry
Social media reactions to Khan’s collaboration with Kapoor have been mixed. Some fans have expressed concern that Kapoor’s recent filmography, marked by a string of flops, may not align with Khan’s star power.
“I wish Fawad Khan would have chosen a project with a different Female Lead cause he is our top actor and he deserves a top actress too. Vaani Kapoor has only a series of consecutive flops to her name unfortunately. It’s not a good look tbh,” an X user wrote.
However, others were quick to defend the choice. One user hoped the script was good, while another said Khan was “desperate for an Indian film”.
“Let’s not shame another artist now who has worked with top stars of her country too. My only concern was whether they will look good and they do. Let’s hope the script is good too now and they perform well”’ another X user wrote.
Also read: Fawad Khan returns to Indian screens after 8 years. Pakistanis declare ‘King is back’
Khan’s return to Bollywood
Khan’s return to Bollywood comes amid a backdrop of political tensions that have limited collaboration between Pakistani artists and the Indian film industry.
Since 2016, post the Pulwama attacks, there has been an informal ban on Pakistani performers in India.
However, in a landmark ruling in 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition that sought to reinforce this ban, asserting that the arts have the power to transcend national boundaries and foster peace and unity.
Khan has earlier acted in Bollywood movies such as Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016), as well as international projects like Ms. Marvel (2022).
Khan’s The Legend of Maula Jatt marked a historic achievement as it was Pakistan’s biggest box-office hit.
While earlier reports suggested that Khan might make a cameo in Kartik Aaryan’s much-anticipated comedy horror film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Abir Gulaal is currently his only confirmed project in India. Khan was last seen in the Karan Johar-directed Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)
The issue is with the Indian consumer. Non discerning. The profits these producers make by acquiring a Pakistani audience are clearly higher than the losses through Indian audiences who turn away. Most dont. Be prepared for scripts that justify terrorism and have sympathies with terrorism perpetrators as has been observed in recent Bollywood flicks. Propoganda experts such as Anurag Kashyap have their views meta discussed through the dialog in Gangs of Wasseypur, that as long as Bollywood exists, the Indian people will continue to be fooled and turned in to simps for terrorists.