Release of The Legend of Maula Jatt starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan in India canceled due to overwhelming backlash: REPORT
The Legend of Maula Jatt, starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, was scheduled to be the first Pakistani film to release in India in 13 years. However, recent reports suggest that the premiere has been canceled due to backlash from certain political groups. The action drama was set to hit theaters in the Punjab region on October 2nd this year.
Sources from ANI claim that the decision to halt the release was made because no Indian films have been allowed in Pakistan since 2019. The Legend of Maula Jatt is a modern retelling of the classic folk tale of Maula Jatt, focusing on the rivalry between Noori Natt (Hamza Ali Abbasi) and Maula Jatt (Fawad Khan).
This film was a massive success in Pakistan and with Zee Studios handling its release in India, it had great potential in Indian cinemas. However, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) protested against its release.
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Ameya Khopkar, President of the MNS Cinema Wing, stated that the movie will not be released and no Pakistani films or actors will be allowed in India. He threatened strong protests and violence against any Pakistani actor attempting to enter India.
While acknowledging the separation of art and politics, Khopkar emphasized the importance of not compromising on national security for the sake of art. The ban on Pakistani artists in India was implemented after the Uri terror attack in 2016 and remains in place.
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