Are you excited about the romantic comedy Aabeer Gulaal (originally titled Abir Gulaal)? This much-talked-about film has been making waves for its star-studded cast, vibrant storytelling, and the controversies surrounding its release. Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, Aabeer Gulaal brings together Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor in a heartwarming tale of love, healing, and growth. In this detailed blog post, we’ll dive into the movie’s plot, cast, production, reviews, controversies, and everything else you need to know. Let’s explore why Aabeer Gulaal is a film you can’t miss in 2025!
Introduction to Aabeer Gulaal 🌟

Aabeer Gulaal is a 2025 romantic comedy that has captured attention for its fresh pairing of Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor. Initially titled Abir Gulaal, the film was slated for release on May 9, 2025, but faced delays due to geopolitical tensions. It is now set for a global theatrical release on August 29, 2025, excluding India. Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi, the movie promises a blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth. With a runtime of 2 hours and 18 minutes, it’s a Hindi-language film produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens Entertainment, and Aarjay Pictures. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting project
Plot Summary: A Heartwarming Love Story 💕
Aabeer Gulaal tells the story of two wounded souls who find solace in each other’s company. The plot follows Gulaal, a spirited young woman who escapes an arranged marriage in India and lands in London. There, she crosses paths with Aabeer Singh, a guarded restaurateur with a complicated past. Their lives collide through a series of chaotic events, including dance classes and unexpected late-night rescues.
What starts as a rivalry between the two slowly blossoms into a deep connection. However, their journey to love isn’t straightforward. The film explores themes of healing, forgiveness, and personal growth, showing that love requires more than just chemistry—it demands vulnerability and courage. Set against the vibrant backdrop of London, the story is infused with cultural elements, humor, and heartfelt moments that make it relatable to audiences worldwide.
Cast and Crew: Who’s Behind the Magic? 🎭
Lead Cast
- Fawad Khan as Aabeer Singh: The Pakistani actor makes a much-anticipated Bollywood comeback as the brooding yet charming restaurateur. Fawad has praised his co-star Vaani Kapoor, calling her a “spontaneous actor.”
- Vaani Kapoor as Gulaal: The Bollywood actress brings energy and charm to the role of Gulaal, a free-spirited woman seeking independence. Despite facing backlash for working with Fawad, Vaani’s performance has been lauded.
- Supporting Cast: The film features talented actors like Ridhi Dogra, Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, Parmeet Sethi, Rahul Vohra, and Hiten Patel as Mr. Suri, adding depth to the story.
Crew
- Director: Aarti S. Bagdi, who previously directed Chalti Rahe Zindagi, helms this romantic comedy with a focus on emotional storytelling.
- Producers: Vivek Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy, under the banners of Indian Stories, A Richer Lens Entertainment, and Aarjay Pictures.
- Music Director: Amit Trivedi, known for his soulful and vibrant compositions, crafts the film’s soundtrack, blending “Desi Beats” with “Angreji Thumke.”
- Writers: The screenplay is written by Vivek Agrawal and Aarti S. Bagdi, ensuring a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.
Role | Name |
---|---|
Director | Aarti S. Bagdi |
Producers | Vivek Agrawal, Avantika Hari, Rakesh Sippy |
Lead Actors | Fawad Khan, Vaani Kapoor |
Supporting Actors | Ridhi Dogra, Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, Parmeet Sethi, Rahul Vohra, Hiten Patel |
Music Director | Amit Trivedi |
Production Details: Bringing the Story to Life 🎥
Aabeer Gulaal was first reported to be in development in July 2024. The film is a collaboration between Indian Stories, A Richer Lens Entertainment, and Aarjay Pictures. Shot primarily in London, the movie captures the city’s vibrant energy, from bustling streets to cozy dance studios. The production team aimed to create a visually appealing film that blends Indian and Western cultural elements, making it accessible to a global audience.
The film’s music, composed by Amit Trivedi, is a highlight, with songs like Angreji Rangrasiya described as “peppy” and “love-filled.” The production faced challenges due to geopolitical issues, which delayed its release and led to a title change from Abir Gulaal to Aabeer Gulaal. Despite these hurdles, the team is optimistic about its global release on August 29, 2025.
Controversies and Release Challenges 🚨
Aabeer Gulaal faced significant challenges due to the 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, which heightened India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions. The film, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, became a target of backlash, with India’s Information & Broadcasting Ministry banning its release in India. Pakistani authorities also banned the film due to Vaani Kapoor’s involvement, leaving its distribution uncertain in both countries.
The controversy has impacted the film’s financial prospects, with satellite and OTT rights remaining unsold. Producer Vivek Agrawal may face a complete financial loss, and Vaani Kapoor has faced criticism for her participation, with some suggesting she should have sought advice from mentor Aditya Chopra before signing on. Despite these challenges, the film is set for a global release on August 29, 2025, targeting audiences outside India, particularly in markets where Punjabi films have found success.
Critical Reviews: What Are Critics Saying? 🖋️
As of August 21, 2025, Aabeer Gulaal has not yet been widely reviewed due to its delayed release. However, early reactions from teaser screenings and industry insiders provide some insights:
- The Hindu: The teaser offers a glimpse into a “London-set storyline” that promises humor and romance, with Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s chemistry being a standout.
- Bollywood Hungama: Critics have praised the film’s vibrant music and Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood, calling it a “much-anticipated” project. However, some have noted the controversy surrounding its release as a potential drawback.
- IMDb: The film has a modest rating of 5.1/10 based on early feedback, suggesting mixed expectations. Critics have appreciated the emotional depth but feel the pacing could be uneven in parts.
Source | Rating | Key Comment |
---|---|---|
IMDb | 5.1/10 | “A heartfelt story with strong chemistry, but pacing issues hold it back.” |
The Hindu | N/A | “The teaser promises a fun, romantic ride with a vibrant London backdrop.” |
Bollywood Hungama | N/A | “Fawad Khan’s charm and Amit Trivedi’s music are highlights.” |
Note: Full reviews are expected post-release on August 29, 2025, as the film has not been screened widely yet.
Audience Reception: Love or Letdown? 🌍
Audience reactions are limited due to the film’s unreleased status in India and Pakistan. However, posts on X reflect mixed sentiments about similar films, indicating that expectations for Aabeer Gulaal may vary. Some fans are excited about Fawad Khan’s return and the fresh pairing with Vaani Kapoor, while others are skeptical due to the controversies. The film’s global release strategy suggests it’s targeting diaspora audiences, particularly in the UK, US, and Canada, where romantic comedies have a strong following.
Music and Soundtrack: Grooving to Desi Beats 🎶
The soundtrack, composed by Amit Trivedi, is a major highlight of Aabeer Gulaal. The song Angreji Rangrasiya has been described as a “peppy, love-filled” track that blends Indian and Western musical elements. The music complements the film’s London setting and cultural fusion, with “Desi Beats” meeting “Angreji Thumke.” Fans are eagerly awaiting the full album release, which is expected to feature a mix of romantic ballads and upbeat dance numbers.
Song | Description |
---|---|
Angreji Rangrasiya | A vibrant, romantic track with dance vibes |
(Other songs TBD) | Expected to include ballads and upbeat songs |
Why You Should Watch Aabeer Gulaal 🎉
- Star Power: Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood and Vaani Kapoor’s dynamic performance make this a must-watch.
- Heartfelt Story: The themes of healing and love resonate with audiences seeking emotional depth.
- Cultural Fusion: The London setting and blend of Indian and Western elements offer a fresh perspective.
- Amit Trivedi’s Music: The soundtrack promises to be a chart-topper with its catchy and soulful tracks.
- Romantic Comedy Appeal: Perfect for fans of lighthearted yet meaningful love stories.
Box Office Expectations and Global Release 💰
Aabeer Gulaal is set for a global release on August 29, 2025, excluding India and Pakistan due to bans. Industry insiders believe it has strong potential in overseas markets, particularly among South Asian diaspora audiences. However, the lack of a release in India may impact its box office performance, and unsold satellite and OTT rights pose financial challenges. The film’s success will depend on its reception in markets like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, where similar Punjabi films have performed well.
Market | Release Status | Expected Performance |
---|---|---|
India | Banned | No release |
Pakistan | Banned | No release |
Global (UK, US, etc.) | August 29, 2025 | Moderate to strong among diaspora |
Abir Gulaal Movie (2025) +F𝚞llMo𝚟ie
10 FAQs About Aabeer Gulaal ❓
- What is the release date of Aabeer Gulaal?
The film is set for a global release on August 29, 2025, excluding India and Pakistan. - Why was the title changed from Abir Gulaal to Aabeer Gulaal?
The title was changed following controversies and delays due to the Pahalgam attack and geopolitical tensions. - Who are the lead actors in Aabeer Gulaal?
The film stars Fawad Khan as Aabeer Singh and Vaani Kapoor as Gulaal. - What is the genre of Aabeer Gulaal?
It is a romantic comedy with elements of drama, focusing on love and personal growth. - Why is Aabeer Gulaal banned in India?
The film was banned due to backlash against Pakistani actor Fawad Khan following the 2025 Pahalgam attack. - Who directed Aabeer Gulaal?
The film is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi. - Is Aabeer Gulaal available on streaming platforms?
As of now, the film is not available for streaming, and OTT rights remain unsold. Check platforms like Netflix or Prime Video post-release. - What is the runtime of Aabeer Gulaal?
The movie has a runtime of 2 hours and 18 minutes. - Who composed the music for Aabeer Gulaal?
The soundtrack is composed by Amit Trivedi. - Where was Aabeer Gulaal filmed?
The film was primarily shot in London, UK.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Romantic Comedy? 🌈
Aabeer Gulaal is a film that promises to tug at your heartstrings while making you smile. Despite its controversial journey, the movie’s vibrant cast, soulful music, and heartfelt story make it a compelling watch for romantic comedy fans. Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s chemistry, combined with Aarti S. Bagdi’s direction and Amit Trivedi’s music, sets the stage for an emotional and entertaining experience. While its ban in India and Pakistan is a setback, the global release on August 29, 2025, offers hope for its success among diaspora audiences.
If you’re a fan of love stories with depth, humor, and a touch of cultural flair, Aabeer Gulaal is one to watch. Keep an eye out for its release in theaters near you, and let us know your thoughts after watching!
Disclaimer
The information in this blog post is based on available web sources and posts on X as of August 21, 2025. Reviews and reception details may evolve post-release. Box office predictions and audience sentiments are speculative and subject to change. For the latest updates, check official sources or platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, or Bollywood Hungama. The author is not responsible for any inaccuracies in third-party information or changes in release plans.
Contents
- 1 Introduction to Aabeer Gulaal 🌟
- 2 Plot Summary: A Heartwarming Love Story 💕
- 3 Cast and Crew: Who’s Behind the Magic? 🎭
- 4 Production Details: Bringing the Story to Life 🎥
- 5 Controversies and Release Challenges 🚨
- 6 Critical Reviews: What Are Critics Saying? 🖋️
- 7 Audience Reception: Love or Letdown? 🌍
- 8 Music and Soundtrack: Grooving to Desi Beats 🎶
- 9 Why You Should Watch Aabeer Gulaal 🎉
- 10 Box Office Expectations and Global Release 💰
- 11 10 FAQs About Aabeer Gulaal ❓
- 12 Conclusion: A Must-Watch Romantic Comedy? 🌈
- 13 Disclaimer