While Vaani Kapoor basks in the glow of Raid 2’s roaring box office success, a political storm is brewing around her next project—one that could tarnish the shine of her latest hit.
Kapoor, known for her poised performances and elegant screen presence, was set to star opposite Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan in Abir Gulaal, marking his much-anticipated comeback to Bollywood. But what should have been a moment of celebration for fans of cross-border cinema has turned controversial following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April.
Soon after the attack, national sentiment soured towards any form of cultural collaboration with Pakistan. Amid the backlash, Kapoor’s social media saw a quiet but telling transformation—every post related to Abir Gulaal vanished. Gone were the promotional posters, teaser clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and even photos with Khan. Industry insiders suggest this was not just damage control, but a response to wider restrictions that saw several Pakistani artists, including Khan, face limitations on Indian platforms, notably Instagram.
Despite the controversy, Kapoor’s Raid 2 has emerged as a box office winner, raking in an impressive Rs 70.75 crore. The film, a gritty sequel, continues to draw audiences and positive reviews. However, whispers of potential boycotts are growing louder—not against Raid 2 directly, but as a reaction to Kapoor’s association with Khan in Abir Gulaal.
“People are angry,” says a film trade analyst. “Fawad Khan is immensely talented, but emotions are running high. Vaani Kapoor, unfortunately, is caught in the crossfire.”
The Indian government has since weighed in. According to sources quoted by PTI, Abir Gulaal will not be allowed a theatrical release in India, effectively halting the project before its completion. This official stance adds yet another layer to the cultural and diplomatic complexities that continue to affect the entertainment industry.
While Raid 2 may continue its upward trajectory for now, the looming controversy poses questions about Kapoor’s upcoming choices, and whether public sentiment will impact her projects in the long term.
As Bollywood grapples with the ever-shifting landscape of public opinion, politics, and patriotism, one thing is clear—cinema, once a bridge across borders, is now treading a fragile line.