The Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt, featuring stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, has been postponed indefinitely in India. Originally slated for October 2, 2024, the delay stems from ongoing political and social tensions between India and Pakistan.
Read: Controversy Surrounds ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ Amid Release in India
This film, premiering in Pakistan in 2022 and becoming one of the country’s top earners, was poised to be the first Pakistani movie shown in India in over a decade. However, the enduring ban on Indian films in Pakistan since 2019 has contributed to the resistance against Pakistani films entering the Indian market.
Read: “The Legend of Maula Jatt” to Premiere in India on October 2, 2024
Adding to the controversy, Bollywood Life cited a statement from Thackeray, who voiced concerns about the timing of the film’s release, coinciding with Maharashtra’s Navratri festival. He highlighted the potential for conflict, stating, “Allowing Pakistani cinema into Maharashtra during this time could provoke unrest.”
Despite the challenges, the film’s director, Bilal Lashari, and actress Mahira Khan expressed their anticipation for the Indian release on social media. Lashari noted, “After two successful years in Pakistan, I am eager for our Punjabi audience in India to experience this film.”
Meanwhile, Fawad Khan is rumoured to be planning a Bollywood comeback. According to the Hindustan Times, he may star in a romantic comedy with Ridhi Dogra. Filming is expected to start by year’s end, and the film is targeted to be released in late 2025 or early 2026.
Read: Fawad Khan Set for Bollywood Comeback in New Romantic Comedy