The much-anticipated release of Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan’s The Legend of Maula Jatt in India has been called off following political opposition. Initially scheduled to hit Indian theatres on 2nd October ,2024, the film was set to be the first Pakistani movie to release in India in 13 years. However, according to recent reports, the plan has been shelved due to a strong outcry from certain political groups.
The action drama, which is a retelling of the iconic folk tale Maula Jatt, has already been a blockbuster success in Pakistan. The story revolves around the intense rivalry between Maula Jatt, played by Fawad Khan, and the brutal gang leader Noori Natt, portrayed by Hamza Ali Abbasi. Despite its potential to attract Indian audiences, the release faced resistance from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party in India.
Ameya Khopkar, President of the MNS Cinema Wing, stated earlier this month, “This movie will not be released. We will not entertain any Pakistani film or actors in India.” He further threatened that if the film were released, his group would protest strongly and even target any Pakistani actor who visits India.
The release of Indian films in Pakistan has been restricted since 2019, which reportedly influenced the decision to cancel The Legend of Maula Jatt’s Indian premiere.