The release of the Pakistani film ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ in India has been met with strong opposition from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The MNS, a regional political party in Maharashtra, has vowed to prevent the film’s release, citing the presence of Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan in the film. The party’s Cinema Wing president, Ameya Khopkar, issued a stern warning, stating that any attempt to release the film in India would be met with strong agitation and violence.
Khopkar’s statement comes in the wake of the 2016 Uri terror attacks, which saw the deaths of 19 Indian soldiers. The MNS leader argued that the presence of Pakistani actors in Indian films is disrespectful to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, who are fighting at the border. He also called upon people and political parties in other states to oppose the release of the film in their respective regions.
‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’, a remake of the iconic 1979 Pakistani film, is directed by Bilal Lashari. The film features Fawad Khan as the titular character, Maula Jatt, while Mahira Khan plays the role of his love interest. It was initially released in Pakistan in October 2022 and has been a box office success. The film’s release in India is significant as it would mark the first time in over a decade that a Pakistani film has been released in Indian theaters.
The MNS’s opposition to the film highlights the tense relationship between India and Pakistan. Following the Uri attacks, India had imposed a ban on Pakistani artists working in the country. However, in November 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition calling for a complete ban on Pakistani performers in India.
Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan have both previously appeared in Indian films. Fawad starred in movies such as ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ and ‘Khoobsurat’, while Mahira made her Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Raees’. The MNS’s stance on ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ demonstrates that the political landscape in India remains complex and sensitive towards issues related to Pakistan. It is unclear how the authorities will respond to the MNS’s threats and whether the film will be released in India as planned.
