As expected, the release of the Pakistani blockbuster film The Legend of Maula Jatt, which was scheduled to debut in India on December 30, has been postponed indefinitely by Indian authorities today.
Even though there has been no official statement, many reports say that the film’s distribution has been stopped by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) of India.
The 2016 Uri attack, which claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers, prompted the Indian government to prohibit the release of Pakistani musicians and films in India. If released, The Legend of Maula Jatt would have been the first film broadcast from India in 11 years.
Extremists in India had previously threatened theatre owners and others who supported the release of Lashari’s film, resulting in a boycott of the film. The leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Ameya Khopkar, declared that his organisation will not allow the film to be shown anywhere in India.
The tweet stated, “There are plans to release the Pakistani film ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, in India. It is outrageous that an Indian company is leading this initiative. Following Raj Saheb’s instructions, this film will not be released anywhere in India.
There are plans to release Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s Pakistani film ‘ The Legend of Maula Jatt’ in India. It is most infuriating that an Indian company is leading this plan. Following Raj Saheb’s orders we will not let this film release anywhere in India.
— Ameya Khopkar (@MNSAmeyaKhopkar) December 9, 2022
The Legend of Maula Jatt is a continuation of the legendary 1979 Pakistani film Maula Jatt. Since its release in October, The Legend of Maula Jatt has amassed nearly PKR 200 crore in box office earnings.
