The much-anticipated release of the Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt has been suspended in India due to a court petition, as confirmed by its distributor on Wednesday.
Starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, the film was slated to debut today in Punjab, India, but faced opposition from a far-right Hindu political party. The film’s distributor, Nadeem Mandviwala, revealed that a petition filed in an Indian court is responsible for the release delay.
Read more: The Legend of Maula Jatt Set for Indian Release
“Unfortunately, the release has been postponed yet again due to legal proceedings, and we must wait for the court’s ruling,” Mandviwala stated. The film was initially expected to be a significant release for the Pakistani film industry in India, but its debut has encountered multiple setbacks.
Despite this, Mandviwala remains hopeful: “Whenever the film does get released, it will be a major success for Pakistani cinema.”
The halt comes in the wake of a 2016 ban on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood, which was implemented following the Uri attack. Both Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan have previously made successful appearances in Bollywood, with Fawad featuring in Khoobsurat (2014) and Mahira in Raees (2017).
The Legend of Maula Jatt, which premiered in Pakistan in October 2022, is a remake of the 1979 classic. It depicts the rivalry between local hero Maula Jatt and his arch-nemesis Noori Natt.
Despite the delays, there is still hope for the film’s eventual screening in Indian cinemas, reviving cross-border entertainment.
