Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinemas with the announced release of Abir Gulaal has already hit a roadblock as political parties are opposed to its screening, particularly in Maharashtra.

Despite the Bombay High Court’s 2023 ruling dismissing a petition seeking a complete ban on Pakistani artists working in India, opposition remains strong. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has voiced its protest against the film.

As reported by Dainik Bhaskar, MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar said, "Hume aaj hi is film ke release ki jaankari mili, jab film ke makers ne iska elaan kiya. Lekin hum saaf taur par yeh keh rahe hain ki hum is film ko Maharashtra mein release nahi hone denge, kyunki ismein Pakistani actor ki maujoodgi hai. Hum kisi bhi haal mein aisi films ko Maharashtra mein release nahi hone denge." (We came to know about the release of this film only today when the makers announced it. But we are clearly saying that we will not allow this film to be released in Maharashtra because it has the presence of a Pakistani actor. We will not allow such films under any circumstances.)

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also shared his perspective, stating, "When a film is released from Pakistan, Indian people do not like to watch it. Pakistani stars have never been able to succeed in India. The central government should decide whether Pakistani artists should be allowed to work in India or not."

The first teaser of Abir Gulaal, starring Khan and Vaani Kapoor, was unveiled on Tuesday. The film set to release on May 9 marks the comeback of the Pakistani actor to Indian screens after the 2018 film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’.

The teaser of Abir Gulaal shows Fawad and Vaani’s characters sharing a lighthearted moment in a car, with Fawad singing Kuch Naa Kaho from 1942: A Love Story. The teaser concludes with the text, "Bringing love back." Despite the controversy, fans remain hopeful about the film’s release.