The highly anticipated release of Pakistan’s blockbuster film The Legend of Maula Jatt in Indian Punjab has been postponed due to a court-ordered stay, halting its screening. Nadeem Mandviwalla, the film’s distribution holder, confirmed that an Indian ministry was behind the stay, attributing the delay to political opposition and pressure from interest groups in India. Despite exclusive distribution rights in Pakistan, Zee India had been working to bring the film to Indian audiences.
The film, starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, was set to premiere in Indian Punjab on October 2, 2024, marking the first Pakistani film to be released in India in over a decade, with the last being Bol in 2011. However, tensions between the two nations, particularly after the Pulwama incident in 2019, resulted in a ban on Pakistani films in India, which was reciprocated by Pakistan banning Indian films.
Read more: ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ is reportedly set to screen in India
In September, director Bilal Lashari had excitedly announced the film’s upcoming release in India in collaboration with Zee Studios and Zindagi. However, opposition swiftly emerged, particularly from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Ameya Khopkar, President of the MNS Cinema Wing, strongly opposed the release, stating that no Pakistani films or actors should be allowed in India, citing ongoing border tensions and India’s own talent pool. He also threatened protests if the film was shown.
Despite these challenges, Mandviwalla remains hopeful, noting the film’s phenomenal success, having grossed Rs 400 crore globally. A release in India could represent a major milestone for Pakistani cinema and a rare opportunity for cultural exchange between the two countries. However, the fate of the film’s release in India remains uncertain, leaving fans in both nations awaiting further updates.
