It has been announced that The Legend of Maula Jatt will be the first Pakistani film to be released in India in over a decade. Starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, the film originally premiered in Pakistan in October 2022, and Indian fans have eagerly awaited its arrival on screens.
The film is set to hit Indian cinemas on October 2nd. However, recent reports indicate that it will not be screened in Mumbai, the heart of the Hindi film industry. Following the announcement of its theatrical release, some political groups in Maharashtra began opposing the move. As a result, the film’s distributor, Nadeem Mandviwalla, revealed that The Legend of Maula Jatt will only be shown in the Punjab circuit. In an interview with Mid-Day, Mandviwalla mentioned that Zee Studios, the film’s distributors in India, may consider a wider release in the South if the film performs well in Punjab.
Mandviwalla commented on the situation, stating, “It was Bollywood that initiated the practice of not allowing Pakistani actors to work in India. Other film industries, like those in Punjab and the South, have no issues. If the film succeeds, it should be released in the South. This is our Baahubali, and I believe the South audience will appreciate its scale and vision.
”Directed by Bilal Lashari, The Legend of Maula Jatt is a reboot of the 1979 classic Maula Jatt. The film has achieved remarkable success, grossing Rs. 400 crores worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in Pakistani cinema history. The story follows Maula Jatt, a village hero seeking revenge against the notorious warrior Noori Natt after the loss of his family.
Fawad Khan plays the titular role, with Mahira Khan as his love interest, Mukhoo Jattni, and Hamza Ali Abbasi portraying Noori Natt. Although the film was initially slated for release in India in December 2022, the screening was postponed due to rising tensions between the two countries.
