Pakistani Actor’s Bollywood Film Banned in India; Prakash Raj Slams Central Government

The Central Government has banned the release of Abir Gulaal, a Bollywood film starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and actress Vaani Kapoor, which was slated to hit theatres on May 9. The move has sparked controversy, with Tamil actor Prakash Raj voicing strong criticism against the decision.

The ban reportedly follows rising tensions between India and Pakistan after a recent terrorist attack in Kashmir. As part of broader retaliatory actions, several YouTube channels linked to Pakistani personalities have also been restricted in India.

Amid this backdrop, the banning of Abir Gulaal has received mixed responses. While many supported the decision on nationalistic grounds, actor Prakash Raj condemned the move, calling it undemocratic. He stated that decisions about watching a film—whether it is a good film or an advertisement—should be left to the people. “Only films involving pornography or child abuse can be banned by the government,” he asserted, arguing that artistic freedom must be protected.

This isn’t the first time Prakash Raj has spoken out. He previously criticized the BJP for objecting to actress Deepika Padukone wearing a saffron bikini in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Pathaan. His latest comments have once again ignited debate online, drawing both support and backlash.