Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan's Blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt Set for Indian Release

The Pakistani blockbuster film  The Legend of Maula Jatt , which is set to release in India on October 2, is facing opposition from Indian political parties once again.

What is Maula Jatt about?

The Legend of Maula Jattis an action-packed Punjabi film that reimagines the classic 1979 Pakistani cult movie Maula Jatt. The story revolves around the character Maula Jatt, a fierce and skilled fighter from rural Punjab. He seeks vengeance against his archenemy, Noori Natt, the ruthless leader of a notorious gang. The movie explores themes of honor, revenge, and justice, showcasing a brutal rivalry between Maula Jatt and Noori Natt as they battle for power and supremacy.

Set in a rural, action-filled world, the film presents a traditional Punjabi hero facing both personal and external challenges, while also blending local culture and folklore with a larger-than-life cinematic style. Directed by Bilal Lashari, the movie is known for its intense fight scenes, dramatic storyline, and a visual spectacle that caters to both local and international audiences.

Who directed Maula Jatt?

The Legend of Maula Jatt was directed by Bilal Lashari. He is a Pakistani filmmaker known for his visually striking style and action-packed storytelling. Prior to this, Lashari gained recognition for directing the hit action film  Waar  (2013). 

With  The Legend of Maula Jatt , he reimagined the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt, bringing a modern cinematic approach to the traditional Punjabi folklore, while maintaining its essence of intense rivalry and larger-than-life characters.

According to  The Times of India , the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has said they will not allow the movie to be released. Ameya Khopkar, the head of MNS’ cinema division and a film producer, said, "We will not allow Pakistani films to be released, nor will we let Pakistani artists work in Indian films."

Back in 2022, when the movie was first planned to be released in India, Khopkar expressed his anger on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, "There are plans to release Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's film The Legend of Maula Jatt in India, and it’s frustrating that an Indian company is behind this." He added that, under instructions from MNS leader Raj Thackeray, they would block the movie's release across India.

In another tweet, Khopkar called Fawad's Indian fans "traitors" and suggested they go to Pakistan to watch the movie. 

This isn't the first time Khopkar and the MNS have opposed Pakistani films and actors. They previously protested the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, a film starring Fawad Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Ranbir Kapoor. They also objected to Raees, which starred Pakistani actress Mahira Khan alongside Shah Rukh Khan. MNS has long called for a ban on Pakistani artists working in India.

When Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was released six years ago, Khopkar told India Today, "Our nation comes first. We don't care about the financial losses for producers. There will be trouble in theaters if this film is released. Yes, we are making a threat."

The Legend of Maula Jatt is a reboot of the 1979 cult film Maula Jatt, reimagining Punjab's superhero for a global audience. The film stars Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Humaima Malick, Gohar Rasheed, and many others. Directed by Bilal Lashari, the movie earned Rs1 billion in Pakistan and $10 million globally by January 2023.

If released in India, The Legend of Maula Jatt would be the first Pakistani movie shown in Indian cinemas in over a decade, following Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol in 2011.