The highly anticipated release of the Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt has been halted in India due to a court petition, as confirmed by its distributor on Wednesday.
Starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, the film was set to premiere today in Punjab but encountered opposition from a far-right Hindu party.
Nadeem Mandviwala, the distributor, told Indian media that a petition had been filed in court, preventing the film’s release. “Unfortunately, the film’s launch has been delayed once again due to legal proceedings, and we cannot proceed until the court reaches a decision,” Mandviwala stated.
Initially expected to be a significant release for the Pakistani film industry in India, The Legend of Maula Jatt has faced multiple delays. However, Mandviwala remains hopeful, saying, “Whenever the release happens, it will be a major success for Pakistani cinema.”
This decision follows the 2016 ban on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood, enacted after the Uri attack. Both Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan had successful Bollywood careers prior to this ban, with Fawad featuring in Khoobsurat (2014) and Mahira in Raees (2017).
Released in Pakistan in October 2022, The Legend of Maula Jatt is a remake of the 1979 classic, focusing on the rivalry between local hero Maula Jatt and his nemesis Noori Natt.
Despite these setbacks, there remains hope that the film may eventually screen in Indian cinemas, bringing back cross-border entertainment.
