When Fawad Khan makes a Bollywood comeback, anticipation is inevitable. His return with Aabeer Gulaal was expected to recreate the charm of earlier hits like Khoobsurat, where he became a household name across both Pakistan and India.
On screen, Khan effortlessly slips back into the role of a romantic lead. His charisma remains intact, and his screen presence reminds audiences why he continues to be adored on both sides of the border. However, the film itself struggles to keep pace with the actor’s brilliance.
Critics point to weak editing, uneven production values, and a lack of chemistry between Khan and his co-star. The 2.5-hour runtime feels stretched, weighed down by recycled songs, predictable clichés, and nostalgic callbacks that fail to land with impact.
Despite these shortcomings, one aspect remains undeniable: Fawad Khan’s star power. Even when the storyline falters, his performance holds the audience’s attention, reaffirming his place as one of South Asia’s most enduring actors.
For many fans, the question now isn’t whether Aabeer Gulaal was a perfect film, but whether Khan’s presence alone is reason enough to draw crowds back to the cinemas — even across borders.
