Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan’s The Legend of Maula Jatt was set to become the first Pakistani film to be released in India in 13 years. However, some latest reports suggest that the much-awaited premiere has been canceled after huge uproar from some political groups. This action drama was all set to hit the theaters in the Punjab region on October 2 this year.
ANI sources alleged that the decision to halt the release was taken because no Indian film has been allowed in Pakistan since 2019. For those who don’t know, The Legend of Maula Jatt is a retelling of the iconic folk tale of Maula Jatt. The plot revolves around the legendary rivalry between brutal gang leader Noori Nat (Hamza Ali Abbasi) and local hero Maula Jatt (Fawad Khan).
This story is already an all time blockbuster in Pakistan. With Zee Studios handling the film’s release in India, The Legend of Maula Jatt had huge chances of working in Indian theatres. As soon as this news was announced, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) became vocal against the release of the film.
Also read: The Legend of Maula Jatt India Release: Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan’s film to release only in Punjab; here’s why
Earlier this month, MNS cinema wing president Amey Khopkar told ANI, “This film will not be released. Not just this film, we will not entertain any Pakistani film or actors in India…” Subsequently He threatened that if the film was released, there would be a massive agitation and his people would beat up any Pakistani actor who dared to come to India.
According to Khopkar, art and politics are different but he does not want art at the cost of our soldiers. He further said, “This should be taken as a threat… There have been attacks till last week and will we watch the films of Pakistani artists?” We will not let them set foot on the ground, we will demolish… Owners of theaters Know very well that the glass in their theater is very expensive…”
For those unaware, the ban on Pakistani artistes in India was first implemented after the Uri terror attack that shook the country in 2016. Although the ban has been challenged in court several times, nothing concrete has been ruled out yet.
Also read: Opinion: Missing Ladies entry at Oscars 2025 is a revolution – of rural stories, feminism, agency and freedom in cinema
