Fawad Khan in Aabeer Gulaal — fans divided ahead of India release
Fans Divided: Fawad Khan’s Aabeer Gulaal Faces Boycott Drama as Mahira Khan Breaks Silence
Breaking Now:Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated film Aabeer Gulaal has turned into a stormy battleground online. Released globally on September 12, the Lollywood epic is now eyeing an India theatrical debut on September 26 — but instead of celebration, it’s facing heated boycott calls. As hashtags explode on X and fans take sides, one powerful voice has entered the fray: Mahira Khan, publicly defending her longtime co-star.
Key Points
Aabeer Gulaal released worldwide on September 12, 2025.
Film scheduled for India release on September 26 amid boycott trends.
Social media divided: some fans celebrate, others protest.
Mahira Khan openly backs Fawad Khan, calling him “a proud face of Pakistan cinema.”
Box office collections and industry reactions are now under the spotlight.
The Global Release That Sparked Fire
Lahore (Star Struck Times) — When Fawad Khan returns to the big screen, the world notices. After months of anticipation, Aabeer Gulaal premiered globally on September 12, 2025, drawing audiences in Dubai, London, Toronto, and other diaspora-heavy hubs. Critics praised its lush cinematography, intense drama, and Fawad’s magnetic performance, calling it “a Lollywood film with true international flavor.”
But the excitement quickly turned political. While fans in Europe and the Middle East cheered, news broke that the film would hit Indian cinemas on September 26 — a rare cross-border release in these tense times. And with that, the hashtag war began.
“Fawad Khan is our pride, stop mixing art with politics,” one fan wrote on X. “Boycott Aabeer Gulaal — no tolerance for Pakistani actors in Indian screens,” another countered.
The clash of opinions turned a cinematic release into a trending global debate, with entertainment journalists calling it “the first Lollywood movie to face a 2025-style boycott wave.”
The Boycott Debate: Why Fans Are Divided
The boycott movement, fueled by nationalist groups and amplified by social media influencers, quickly trended in India. Yet, simultaneously, many Indian fans defended Fawad, sharing nostalgic clips of Kapoor & Sons and Khoobsurat.
Supporters argued that cinema should be a bridge across cultures.
Opponents claimed it was “insensitive” to release a Pakistani-led film amid regional tensions.
This isn’t the first time a Lollywood star has faced backlash across the border, but the timing of Aabeer Gulaal’s India release — just two weeks after its global debut — made the controversy louder and faster.
Mahira Khan Breaks Silence
Enter Mahira Khan, Pakistan’s beloved actress and Fawad’s frequent co-star. Known for her grace in handling controversies, Mahira didn’t stay silent this time.
On Instagram Stories, she posted:
“Fawad Khan has always been a proud face of Pakistani cinema. His work speaks louder than politics. We must support talent that takes our industry forward.”
Her statement instantly went viral, covered by Pakistani entertainment outlets like 24 News HD and ARY Digital, and fueled hashtags like #MahiraForFawad and #StandWithFawad.
Fans applauded her courage, while critics argued she was “glossing over political sensitivities.” But one thing was clear: Mahira had added star power to an already heated debate.
Box Office Stakes & Lollywood’s Global Moment
Industry insiders now wonder: Will controversy hurt or help Aabeer Gulaal? History suggests scandal often drives ticket sales.
Early reports from overseas markets show strong opening numbers, especially in the UK and UAE.
Analysts predict the India release could add millions to its box office tally, if boycott campaigns don’t derail screenings.
A Karachi-based critic noted: “This film is bigger than just a release — it’s Lollywood’s attempt to assert global relevance. Every seat filled in India is a symbolic win.”
Fan Emotions on Social Media
Scrolling through X/Twitter and Instagram reveals the raw emotional divide:
“We finally have a Lollywood movie on the world stage — don’t ruin it with politics.”
“Fawad Khan may be talented, but India has enough stars of its own.”
“Mahira supporting Fawad is friendship goals.”
“Boycott all you want, I’ve already booked tickets!”
The online chatter is so massive that Aabeer Gulaal hashtags trended simultaneously in Pakistan, India, and UAE.
The Bigger Picture for Lollywood
Beyond the controversy, this moment signals something bigger: Lollywood’s rise in global entertainment.
With The Legend of Maula Jatt setting box office benchmarks in 2022, Fawad Khan now carries the responsibility of proving that Pakistani cinema isn’t a one-hit wonder.
The success or failure of Aabeer Gulaal in India could shape whether future Lollywood films secure cross-border or international releases.
In many ways, the fate of one film has become the fate of an industry.
FAQs
Q1: What is the release date of Fawad Khan’s Aabeer Gulaal in India? A: The film is scheduled to release in India on September 26, 2025.
Q2: Why is Aabeer Gulaal facing boycott calls? A: Some nationalist groups oppose Pakistani actors in Indian cinemas, sparking boycott trends on social media.
Q3: What did Mahira Khan say about Aabeer Gulaal? A: Mahira Khan supported Fawad, saying he is a “proud face of Pakistani cinema” and urged fans to back talent over politics.
Q4: How is the film performing at the box office? A: Early overseas collections are strong, with critics predicting a boost if the India release proceeds smoothly.
What do you think? Should cinema stay above politics, or do boycotts reflect deeper national sentiments?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
Hello! I'm M Muzamil Shami, the founder and lead editor of Star Struck Times, your trusted source for trending news, entertainment scoops, celebrity gossip, sports highlights, and global headlines.
With a passion for storytelling and journalism, I created this platform to bring you breaking news, viral moments, and deep insights into the worlds of Bollywood, Hollywood, sports, politics, tech, and more — all in one place.
