Pakistani film "The Legend of Maula Jatt": Fawad-Mahira's flick to Release Only in India's Punjab
Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan's Pakistani film "The Legend of Maula Jatt" will only see a release in Punjab, India, instead of a nationwide rollout. Karachi-based film producer and distributor Nadeem Mandviwalla confirmed the news in an exclusive interview. The film, which originally released globally two years ago, is the first Pakistani film in over a decade to be screened in India.
Mandviwalla, who distributed the film in Pakistan, explained the decision to limit the release to Punjab. He believes the film still has the potential for success at the box office, as it has not yet been made available on any OTT platform. He said, "Though the excitement from 2022 has waned, word of mouth will help rekindle interest in the film."
"The Legend of Maula Jatt" is a remake of the 1979 Pakistani classic Maula Jatt. The film, set in Punjabi culture, became the highest-grossing Pakistani film upon its release. The filmmakers are optimistic that the Punjabi audience in India will embrace the film in theatres.
However, the release has sparked controversy. Ameya Khopkar, President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Cinema Wing, voiced opposition to the film’s release in India. Khopkar stated, "We will not entertain any Pakistani film or actors in India." He warned of strong protests and called on others across the country to oppose the film's release, citing ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
Khopkar's remarks reflect growing concerns about allowing Pakistani talent in India, particularly in light of the 2016 Uri attacks. "We have enough talent here; why do we need Pakistani actors? We will not let them come here, and this should be taken as a serious warning," Khopkar added.
Despite the resistance, "The Legend of Maula Jatt" is scheduled to release in Punjab, India, on October 2nd. Director Bilal Lashari shared his excitement on social media, stating, "After two years of house-full weekends in Pakistan, I can't wait for our Punjabi audience in India to experience the magic of this labor of love."