Occasionally, a movie comes out with enough anticipation to pique viewers’ interest well in advance of its premiere. That film is Aabeer Gulaal. Expectations were high because Fawad Khan was playing a lead role in his big-screen comeback, and he was paired with Vaani Kapoor. Did the movie live up to the romantic, charming, and emotionally charged expectations of its audience?
This review walks you through Aabeer Gulaal’s plot, performances by the actors, images, and overall cinematic vibe. Consider it your frank assessment of whether this movie is worth seeing over the weekend.
Background & Context
Let’s take a brief look at the reasons behind Aabeer Gulaal’s popularity before getting into the specifics.
- Director & Release: Shashanka Ghosh directed the film, which was eagerly awaited and controversially released in 2025.
- Buzz Factor: Audiences were excited about Fawad Khan’s long-awaited return. Fans have always loved his easygoing on-screen persona.
- India Release Problems: The movie encountered difficulties in India as a result of delicate controversies, which made it a popular subject outside of the movie industry.
- Pairing Curiosity: The film sparked curiosity all over the world thanks to the novel and captivating Fawad-Vaani pairing.
- Now that we have this background, let’s get to the film’s core plot.
Story & Plot Review
Aabeer Gulaal sets out to tell a romantic tale with layers of emotional conflict, family drama, and self-discovery.
What Works in the Story:
- The opening act introduces the characters well, pulling viewers into their world.
- The romantic chemistry between Fawad and Vaani adds genuine warmth in several scenes.
- The film tries to blend lighthearted moments with emotional depth, which gives it a breezy tone.
Where the Story Falters:
- Pacing Issues: At nearly three hours, the runtime feels stretched. Certain subplots could easily have been trimmed.
- Predictability: While charming, many plot points are familiar, echoing tropes seen in earlier Bollywood romances.
- Loose Threads: Some story arcs don’t quite find closure, leaving viewers wishing for tighter writing.
In short, while the narrative offers moments of charm, it struggles to sustain momentum consistently.
Cast & Performances
A romantic drama like this leans heavily on its cast. Fortunately, Aabeer Gulaal boasts a line-up that delivers mixed but memorable performances.
Fawad Khan as Aabeer Singh
- Charismatic as always, Fawad owns the screen.
- His subtle expressions and emotional delivery bring sincerity to the role.
Fans will appreciate his effortless charm, though some might feel the script underutilizes his full range.
Vaani Kapoor as Gulaal Bajaj
- Vaani brings elegance and vulnerability to her role.
- She holds her own opposite Fawad, and their chemistry feels natural.
At times, her character could have been written with more depth, but she maximizes what’s given.
Supporting Cast Highlights
- Ridhi Dogra: A pleasant surprise, adding nuance to her side role.
- Lisa Haydon: Stylish, but her role feels more like an extended cameo.
- Parmeet Sethi & Soni Razdan: Reliable as ever, grounding family drama scenes.
Verdict on Performances: While Fawad and Vaani carry the film on their shoulders, the supporting cast adds layers, even if some remain underused.
Visuals, Cinematography & Music
This is where Aabeer Gulaal shines brightest.
Cinematography & Locations
- The film beautifully captures London’s charm and Jaipur’s vibrancy.
- Sweeping aerial shots and intimate close-ups strike a good balance.
- Visually, the film is polished, almost like a glossy magazine spread.
Production Design & Costumes
- Sets and costumes are lavish, adding glamour to the romantic setting.
- Traditional outfits in Indian scenes bring cultural richness.
- Some argue it feels “too pretty,” occasionally overshadowing story realism.
Editing & Pace
- While the editing is crisp visually, it doesn’t solve pacing issues.
- Certain scenes drag longer than they need to.
Music & Soundtrack
- The songs are soulful, with a few already trending on playlists.
- Background score enhances emotional beats, though it sometimes leans on melodrama.
In short: if you love cinema that looks and sounds good, Aabeer Gulaal won’t disappoint.
Themes & Messages
At its core, the film touches on universal themes:
- Love & Healing: The idea that love helps overcome personal struggles.
- Family & Identity: Conflicts between personal desires and family expectations.
- Compromise in Relationships: A recurring question, how much should one give up for love?
While these themes are timeless, the execution is sometimes heavy-handed. Still, certain dialogues will resonate with audiences long after they leave the theater.
What Works
- Strong lead performances (especially Fawad Khan).
- Beautiful visuals and well-styled production design.
- Romantic sequences that tug at the heart.
- A soundtrack worth listening to outside the movie.
Best For: Fans of Fawad Khan, romance lovers, and those who enjoy visually rich cinema.
Might Not Suit: Viewers seeking tight storytelling or something groundbreaking.
Audience & Critic Reactions
- Critics: Mixed reviews, some praising its elegance, others calling it “bloated” or “frustrating.”
- Fans: Many celebrated Fawad’s return and enjoyed the romantic chemistry.
- Box Office Buzz: While exact numbers are still emerging, the controversy and star power are driving initial footfalls.
- Social Media: Memes, clips, and fan edits have already gone viral, ensuring the film stays in conversations.
Thoughts & Rating
Aabeer Gulaal is a mixed bag. It’s not flawless, but it delivers enough romance, charm, and beauty to make it worth a single watch, especially if you’re a Fawad Khan admirer.
Our Honest Take:
- Strengths: Visual appeal, chemistry, soulful music.
- Weaknesses: Overstretched runtime, uneven story.
- Rating: 4/5 stars
Should you watch it?
Yes, if you want a breezy, visually stunning romance.
Maybe skip if you prefer tight storytelling and original plots.
As Buzz by NJ Marketing and PR by NJ Marketing were the official partners in promotion, and we also enjoyed screening with our influencers, we believe in giving audiences an authentic perspective, one that respects both the art of cinema and the viewer’s time. Aabeer Gulaal may not redefine the genre, but it’s a stylish attempt that has moments of genuine heart.
So, what did you think of Aabeer Gulaal? Did the romance pull you in, or did the pacing push you away? Share your thoughts in the comments, because every review becomes richer when audiences add their voices.
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