In a disappointing turn of events for fans eagerly awaiting the release of The Legend of Maula Jatt in India, the Pakistani blockbuster starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan will not hit theaters in Punjab as initially planned. Nadeem Mandviwalla, the film’s distributor, confirmed the news, stating that an Indian ministry has secured a stay order from the court against its release.
Mandviwalla shared, “Unfortunately its release has once again been stalled and there is nothing anyone can do until the court gives its decision.” He highlighted the collaboration between the company holding the international rights, Zee India, and the efforts made to facilitate the film’s screening in India.
Despite this setback, Mandviwalla remains optimistic, believing that once released, Maula Jatt will mark a significant step forward for the Pakistani film industry. He noted, “I am pretty sure given the quality and efforts put into the making of the film and its brilliant cast, Maula Jatt will be a big hit in Indian Punjab.”
The road to release has been fraught with challenges. Since the announcement of its screening in India, resistance from various political parties has emerged, prompting authorities to take legal action. Mandviwalla commented on the situation, indicating that the controversy played a role in the court’s decision.
Originally announced for release by Zee Studios in collaboration with Zindagi, The Legend of Maula Jatt was poised to reintroduce Fawad Khan to Indian audiences after his recent comeback with the show Barzakh. However, the ongoing ban on Pakistani films in India, a response to the Pulwama incident in 2019, has severely impacted the Pakistani film industry. The last Pakistani film to be screened in India was Bol, released in 2011.
The film has made waves since its debut, amassing around ₹400 crores in both domestic and international markets. With such a promising start, the delay in its Indian release poses a significant hurdle, particularly as the industry relies on cross-border exchanges to thrive. As fans wait with bated breath, the fate of The Legend of Maula Jatt in India remains uncertain, leaving a lingering hope for the future of Pakistani cinema.
