The Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt, scheduled for release in India on October 2, is once again encountering resistance from Indian political factions.
According to The Times of India, the MNS has declared that it will not authorize the film’s release.
Ameya Khopkar, head of MNS’ cinema division and a producer, stated to the publication, “We will not permit the release of Pakistani films, nor will we allow their actors to participate in Indian films.”
In 2022, when the movie was originally set for release in India, Khopkar posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Plans are in place to release Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s film The Legend of Maula Jatt in India. It’s highly frustrating that an Indian company is leading this effort.”
Khopkar further disclosed that, under orders from MNS Chairperson Raj Thackeray, the party will block the movie's release throughout India.
In a subsequent post, Khopkar, a producer-politician known for films like Lai Bhaari, Ye Re Ye Re Paisa, and Bhonga, referred to Fawad Khan's Indian supporters as “traitors,” urging them to visit Pakistan to view the film.
The Legend of Maula Jatt is not the only film to face opposition from Khopkar and the MNS. Previously, Khopkar criticized the release of Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which starred Fawad Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Ranbir Kapoor. Similarly, some MNS leaders protested the release of Raees, which featured Mahira Khan alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The party has also called for a ban on Pakistani artists working in India.
When Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was released six years ago, Khopkar told India Today, “The nation comes first. We are unconcerned with the losses faced by producers. If Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is released, there will be trouble in theatres. Yes, this is a threat.”
The Legend of Maula Jatt is a reboot of the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt, re-envisioning Punjab’s superhero for an international audience. Alongside Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, the film features Humaima Malick, Gohar Rasheed, Faris Shafi, Ali Azmat, Raheela Agha, Babar Ali, Saima Baloch, Shafqat Cheema, Nayyar Ejaz, and Resham.
Directed by Bilal Lashari, the movie grossed Rs1 billion at the domestic box office and $10 million worldwide by January 2023.
If released in India, The Legend of Maula Jatt would be the first Pakistani film shown in Indian cinemas in over a decade, following Shoaib Mansoor’s 2011 film Bol.
