After a hiatus from the Bollywood scene, renowned Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is set to make a much-anticipated return to Indian cinema with the upcoming film Abir Gulaal. The movie, which also stars Vaani Kapoor in the lead opposite Khan, has already sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Bhatia, Abir Gulaal is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of a picturesque yet tumultuous small town in Rajasthan. The film’s title, which translates to “Scent of Colors,” is a metaphor for the vibrant but complicated love story between the two lead characters, portrayed by Khan and Kapoor.
Fawad Khan, who rose to fame with films like Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016), had largely stayed away from Bollywood projects after tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. His return to the industry has been met with widespread anticipation, as fans of his subtle charm and nuanced performances have been eagerly awaiting his comeback.
Vaani Kapoor, who was last seen in Shamshera (2022), plays the role of a free-spirited artist in Abir Gulaal, a character that promises to bring out the actress’s full range of emotions. The chemistry between Khan and Kapoor is expected to be one of the film’s biggest highlights.
Producer Ravi Sharma spoke to reporters during the film’s first look launch, describing Abir Gulaal as a “visual masterpiece” that blends rich cultural heritage with modern-day storytelling. He also emphasized that Fawad’s return to Bollywood marks an important milestone for the film industry, saying, “Fawad is an actor of rare talent, and we’re excited to see him bring his magic to the screen once again.”
The film’s music, composed by the talented duo Amit Trivedi and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, promises to be another major draw, with a mix of traditional Rajasthani folk tunes and contemporary beats.
Abir Gulaal is slated for release in the summer of 2025, and early buzz surrounding the project suggests it will be a major contender at next year’s film festivals.
With both Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor on board, expectations are high for this visually stunning and emotionally gripping film, which is sure to be one of Bollywood’s most anticipated releases in the coming year.
