Entertainment
Pakistani Film ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ Faces Blockade in India Amid Political Tensions
According to ANI, the highly anticipated Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt, starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, will not make its scheduled debut in Indian cinemas. Originally set for release on October 2, 2024, the film has been stalled due to the ongoing political and social tensions between India and Pakistan.
The film was expected to be a historic moment for cross-border cinema, as it would have marked the first Pakistani release in India in over a decade. However, sources suggest the ongoing ban on Indian films in Pakistan, in place since 2019, has played a significant role in halting its release. Pakistani films seeking entry into the Indian market face strong opposition as part of this cultural standoff between the two nations.
Adding to the uncertainty is a recent statement from Raj Thackeray, as reported by Bollywood Life. Thackeray warned of repercussions if the film were to release in Maharashtra. “Allowing Pakistani cinema to enter Maharashtra will be costly,” he declared, casting doubt on whether the movie would be shown in certain parts of India.
Thackeray’s objections stem from the timing of the release, which coincides with the Navratri festival in Maharashtra. He expressed concerns about potential unrest: “Navratri festival will start around the time when this movie will be released. I don’t want any conflict to happen in Maharashtra.”
This controversy has dampened what was meant to be a celebratory occasion for fans on both sides of the border. The Legend of Maula Jatt, which originally premiered in Pakistan in 2022, became one of the country’s highest-grossing films. Indian fans, eager to see the epic on the big screen, now face uncertainty over whether the movie will ever be released in India.
Director Bilal Lashari, along with lead actress Mahira Khan, had expressed excitement about the film’s release in India. Lashari shared on social media, “Releasing in India, Punjab on Wednesday, October 2. Two years in, and still house full on weekends in Pakistan. Now, I can’t wait for our Punjabi audience in India to experience the magic of this labour of love.”
For Fawad Khan, the situation arises at an interesting juncture in his career. As one of Pakistan’s most beloved stars to transition into Bollywood, his roles in films like Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil made him a fan favourite in India. Rumours are swirling that Fawad may soon return to Bollywood. According to Hindustan Times, he is set to star in a romantic comedy alongside Ridhi Dogra, with filming set to begin by the end of the year. The project is expected to hit screens by late 2025 or early 2026.
For now, however, the fate of The Legend of Maula Jatt in India hangs in the balance as political tensions continue to impact cross-border cultural exchanges.
