The release of the Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt in India, featuring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, has generated significant excitement among their fans. However, the film will not be shown in Mumbai, the center of Hindi cinema, which has left many fans disheartened. This decision followed a warning from Maharashtra politician Raj Thackeray, sparking controversy around its India release.
Nadeem Mandviwalla, the film’s distributor, addressed the film’s limited release in India, stating that the film would only screen in the Punjab region and not in Mumbai. In an interview, he likened The Legend of Maula Jatt to Baahubali, saying its grand scale and vision could resonate with audiences in the southern part of India. Mandviwalla noted that while Bollywood has distanced itself from Pakistani actors, other regional industries like Punjab and the south have been more welcoming.
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First Pakistani Movie Releasing in India in 10 Years
The Legend of Maula Jatt is set to become the first Pakistani film to be released in India in over a decade. There has been a ban on Pakistani artists in India since the Uri terror attack in 2016, which significantly hampered cross-border collaborations. However, in November 2023, the Indian Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking a complete ban on Pakistani artists, potentially allowing more such releases.
Raj Thackeray’s Warning Against Film’s Release
Maharashtra politician Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), issued a stern warning against the release of The Legend of Maula Jatt in Maharashtra. He expressed his strong opposition on social media, questioning why Pakistani actors’ films should be allowed in India. Thackeray urged the Indian government to block the movie’s release, especially during the Navratri festival, to avoid any unrest.
About The Legend of Maula Jatt
Directed by Bilal Lashari, The Legend of Maula Jatt is a modern adaptation of the 1979 classic Maula Jatt. The film follows the story of a local folk hero, Maula Jatt, portrayed by Fawad Khan, as he faces off against his archenemy Noori Natt, played by Hamza Ali Abbasi. The movie also features Mahira Khan, Humaima Malik, and Faris Shafi in key roles. With its impressive visuals and gripping narrative, the film has already achieved immense success in Pakistan.
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Mahira and Fawad Express Excitement Over India Release
The film’s director Bilal Lashari took to Instagram to confirm the film’s release in India, particularly in Punjab. He expressed his enthusiasm, sharing that the film has been performing well in Pakistan for two years and is now ready to captivate Indian audiences. Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan also shared their excitement, reposting the announcement on social media, much to the delight of their fans.
