Court Petition Halts Release of The Legend of Maula Jatt in India

The highly anticipated release of the Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt has been halted in India due to a court petition, its distributor confirmed on Wednesday. This news comes as a disappointment to fans eagerly waiting for the film’s debut.

The film stars renowned actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan. It was initially scheduled to be released today in the Indian state of Punjab. However, opposition from a far-right Hindu party has complicated matters. Speaking to Indian media, the film’s distributor, Nadeem Mandviwala, provided insights into the situation. He stated that a petition had been filed in an Indian court, which is now preventing the film’s release.

Mandviwala expressed frustration, saying, “Unfortunately, the release of the film has been delayed once again due to legal proceedings. Nothing can be done until the court issues its decision.” This marks another setback for The Legend of Maula Jatt, which has faced repeated delays since its announcement. The film was initially set to be a significant release for the Pakistani film industry in India.

Related: The Legend of Maula Jatt Set to Release in India on October 2

Despite these hurdles, Mandviwala remains optimistic. He emphasized, “Whenever the release is possible, it will be a major success for Pakistani cinema.” His confidence reflects the film’s strong potential to resonate with audiences.

Long-Lasting Effects of the 2016 Ban

The decision to halt the film’s release is reminiscent of the 2016 ban on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood, imposed after the Uri attack. This ban significantly affected cross-border collaborations and had a lasting impact on the film industry. Both Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan previously made their mark in Bollywood, with Fawad starring in Khoobsurat (2014) and Mahira in Raees (2017).

The Legend of Maula Jatt debuted in Pakistan in October 2022 and is a remake of the 1979 Pakistani classic of the same name. The film explores the rivalry between the local hero Maula Jatt and his nemesis, Noori Natt. With its impressive production and engaging storyline, it has garnered significant attention and praise since its release in Pakistan.

Despite the delays in India, there remains hope that The Legend of Maula Jatt may eventually screen in Indian cinemas. Such a development would bring cross-border entertainment back to the forefront, allowing audiences to enjoy diverse cinematic experiences once again. The ongoing legal proceedings, however, will determine the film’s fate in the near future.