Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt will only be shown in Punjab, India, as confirmed by producer Nadeem Mandviwalla in an interview with India Today on Saturday.
According to the publication, Mandviwalla stated, “The film still has the potential to perform exceptionally well in India since it is not yet available on any OTT platform. Therefore, it has a significant opportunity to become a major hit. Although it may take some time, as the film is being released two years after its original debut, and the initial excitement has subsided, the word of mouth is expected to reignite interest.”
Speaking to Images, Mandviwalla emphasized, “As a Punjabi film, the plan was always to release it only in Punjab.” Director Bilal Lashari of The Legend of Maula Jatt shared his enthusiasm on Instagram, stating, “Now, I can’t wait for our Punjabi audience in India to experience the magic of this labor of love!”
Political Opposition
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) reiterated their stance that The Legend of Maula Jatt would not be permitted for release in Maharashtra and insisted that the film should not be allowed to screen anywhere in India.
Party chief Raj Thackeray made a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that the movie would not be released in Maharashtra and cautioning cinema owners against screening it.
“Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s movie, The Legend of Maula Jatt, is set to release soon in India. MNS will not permit its release in Maharashtra under any circumstances. Why should films featuring Pakistani actors be allowed in India?” he wrote on X, as reported by India Today.
He added, “While art may transcend borders, in the case of Pakistani actors, this principle does not apply. The government should ensure that this film is not released in any Indian state, not just Maharashtra.”
Thackeray warned theatre owners of consequences if they proceeded with screening the film, reminding them of previous actions taken by MNS in similar situations. He urged them to avoid becoming embroiled in complications by screening the movie.
He further explained that he wished to avoid any unrest in Maharashtra, especially with Navratri celebrations approaching.
Ameya Khopkar, President of the MNS cinema wing and a producer, told ANI that they will not support any Pakistani films or actors in India, and called for people in other states to protest the release.
“This movie will not be released. It’s not just about this film; we won’t allow any Pakistani films or actors in India. If it happens, there will be severe agitation,” Khopkar said.
He further stated that he contacted individuals and parties in other states to oppose the release of The Legend of Maula Jatt, saying, “Our soldiers are dying on the borders, and our cities are under attack. Why do we need Pakistani actors when we have sufficient talent in India?”
Khopkar also issued a warning to theatre owners, saying, “Cinema owners know well that the glass in their theatres is expensive. We will confront any Pakistani actor who dares to come to India.”
He acknowledged that while art and politics are distinct, he did not want to support art at the expense of Indian soldiers.
The MNS has a history of opposing Pakistani films and artists. Last week, Khopkar reiterated that the party would not permit the release of Pakistani films or the participation of Pakistani artists in Indian projects.
In 2022, when the movie was initially planned for release in India, Khopkar expressed his outrage on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Plans are in place to release Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s film The Legend of Maula Jatt in India. It’s infuriating that an Indian company is behind this.”
In a follow-up post, Khopkar, who has produced films like Lai Bhaari, Ye Re Ye Re Paisa, and Bhonga, called Fawad’s Indian fans “traitors” and suggested they travel to Pakistan to watch the movie.
The Legend of Maula Jatt is not the only movie to face opposition from Khopkar and MNS. The producer had previously opposed the release of Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which starred Fawad Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Ranbir Kapoor, and some MNS leaders also resisted the release of Raees, which featured Mahira Khan alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The MNS had also previously called for a ban on Pakistani artists in India.
During the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil six years ago, Khopkar told India Today, "The nation comes first. We are not concerned about the financial losses faced by producers. There will be trouble in theatres if Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is released. Yes, we are issuing a warning.
