Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan’s film The Legend of Maula Jatt, which is scheduled to release in India on October 2, 2024, is once again facing massive opposition from political parties in India. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has said that they will not allow the film to be screened in the country. The party president said, “No Pakistani film or actor will be entertained in India”.
Speaking to ANI, MNS cinema wing president Amey Khopkar said that they will not show any Pakistani film or actor in India and urged people from other states to protest against the release of the film. “This film will not be released. Not just this film, we will not show any Pakistani film or actor in India… if this happens, there will be a strong agitation,” Khopkar told ANI.
He said they are also contacting people and parties in other states to protest the presence of Pakistani actors there. He expressed concern over the deaths of soldiers on the border and attacks on cities and questioned why there is a need for Pakistani actors when there is enough talent available locally.
He cautioned cinema owners about the potential repercussions, saying they were well aware of the high costs associated with glass in their theatres. He warned that any Pakistani actor who tried to come to India would face consequences. While he acknowledged the difference between art and politics, he stressed that he did not want art at the expense of his soldiers, insisting that he would prevent such actors from entering the country.
He commented that this should be seen as a threat, questioning how anyone could even think of watching films with Pakistani actors after last week’s attacks. He took a strong stand against allowing them to set foot in India and said he would take action against them.
Pakistani artistes working in India were banned after the Uri terror attack in 2016. In November 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking a blanket ban on Pakistani artistes performing or working in India. Both Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan have appeared in Indian cinema before, with Fawad appearing in films such as Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Khoobsurat, while Mahira made her Bollywood debut in Raees opposite Shah Rukh Khan.
Also read: The Legend of Maula Jatt India release: Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan’s film will release only in Punjab; know why
