Aabeer Gulaal Movie Review – Romance, Nostalgia & Missed Chances

Aabeer Gulaal Movie Review – What We Know

Aabeer Gulaal is a 2025 Hindi romantic comedy film directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, written by Aarti S. Bagdi and Meghna Singhee. It stars Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor in lead roles. The music is composed by Amit Trivedi, cinematography by Tribhuvan Babu Sadineni, and editing by Aakash Yadav.

The film was originally scheduled to release in India on May 9, 2025, but was postponed due to the Pahalgam terror attack and ensuing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Globally (i.e. in countries excluding India), Aabeer Gulaal was released on September 12, 2025.

One significant point: Despite reports of a possible India release on September 26, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) officially confirmed that the film has not been granted clearance for its theatrical release in India.

Plot Tone, Style & What Critics Say

While the full storyline is typical of a romantic comedy, early critiques suggest Aabeer Gulaal leans heavily into nostalgia—drawing plenty of references to classic Bollywood romantic cinema, retro songs, dance competitions, and visual nods to popular romantic films of the past.

Critics, however, are largely underwhelmed. Some of the consistent complaints are:

• The storyline is predictable and lacks originality.
• The film is seen as bloated, with unnecessary scenes or segues that drag the runtime.
• Some cameos (notably Lisa Haydon’s) are criticized as adding little value beyond name recognition.
• The visual and technical aspects get mixed responses — some praise for cinematography and locations, but criticism for editing, colour grading, and how polished it all looks.

On the positive side:

• The pairing of Fawad Khan & Vaani Kapoor is appreciated by many; their on-screen chemistry gets several nods.
• Some songs and musical numbers are noted as catchy and well-composed.
• The film makes good use of its international locations (London, etc.), creating visually attractive frames.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Here’s how Aabeer Gulaal stacks up in terms of what it does right and where it falls short.

Strengths

1. Star Power – Fawad Khan’s return to romantic Bollywood cinema after years, combined with Vaani Kapoor, gives the film initial buzz.
2. Musical Moments – Amit Trivedi’s music and retro-styled numbers stand out. These are among the better parts of the film.
3. Visual & Location Appeal – Filmed in picturesque overseas locations with some attractive cinematography. It has a polished look in many scenes.
4. Relatability of the Romantic Elements – For those who enjoy romantic comedies built on predictable structures but charming leads, the chemistry between Vaavni and Fawad appeals.

Weaknesses

1. Predictability & Lack of Narrative Depth – Many critics point out the film tells a story that has been seen many times before, without much subversion or surprise.
2. Slow Pacing & Bloated Runtime – Scenes drag, as per reviewers, and editing could have been tighter.
3. Overreliance on Nostalgia – While nostalgia can be effective, here it is viewed as too heavy and sometimes feels like a crutch rather than an inspired choice.
4. India Release Uncertainty – The film’s absence from Indian theatres diminishes its reach among a large audience, and many fans are disappointed over the ban.

Verdict

Aabeer Gulaal Movie Review suggests that the film is a mixed bag. For fans of romantic comedies who don’t mind familiar tropes, charming leads, and good music, the film delivers some feel-good moments and visual appeal. However, it doesn’t quite break new ground; many of its weaker points come from there being too little innovation in the storyline and too much dependency on nostalgia and style.

If you’re going in expecting a fresh romance with strong emotional payoff and sharp script, you might find it somewhat disappointing. But if your expectations are more modest — hoping just for a sweet romance with graceful cinematography, some memorable songs, and a pleasing pairing of leads — Aabeer Gulaal might fit the bill.

Rating: 2.5 / 5

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