Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan's much-anticipated film, The Legend of Maula Jatt, is set to make history as the first Pakistani movie in over a decade to be released in Indian theaters. The announcement was made by director Bilal Lashari, Mahira, and the film's official Instagram account through social media posts.
Bilal Lashari shared the exciting news on Instagram, writing, "Releasing in India, Punjab on Wednesday, 2nd October! Two years in, and still house full on weekends in Pakistan! Now, I can’t wait for our Punjabi audience in India to experience the magic of this labor of love!" His post was accompanied by the film's poster.
The film is being distributed in India through Zee Studios in collaboration with Zindagi, the same platform that previously brought Fawad Khan back to Indian audiences through the series Barzakh. This will be the first Pakistani film to hit Indian screens since 2011's Bol, which starred Humaima Malick and Atif Aslam.
Released in Pakistan in 2022, The Legend of Maula Jatt quickly became a blockbuster and is a remake of the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt. The movie shattered records, grossing Rs 400 crore globally, making it Pakistan's highest-grossing film to date.
The official Instagram page of the film also announced the release, stating, "Two years on, The Legend of Maula Jatt is still unstoppable! Witness the epic saga on the big screen in India from 2nd October 2024. Cinema listings to be shared soon."
In addition to the celebrated duo of Fawad and Mahira—who became fan favorites due to their pairing in the Pakistani drama Humsafar—the film also stars Hamza Abbasi in a pivotal role.
With excitement building for the film’s Indian release, a spokesperson for the film remarked, "India is a massive market for films, and we are confident that Maula Jatt will be appreciated by Indian audiences."
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This upcoming release marks a significant moment in cultural exchange between India and Pakistan. A ban on film releases between the two countries had been in place for years following heightened tensions and terror incidents. Fawad Khan’s casting in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil had sparked controversy, which subsequently impacted his career in India. Mahira Khan, too, faced similar challenges despite her popularity, particularly after her role opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees.
Initially slated for a December 2022 release in India, the film’s arrival was delayed but is now expected to generate significant buzz, especially given the enduring popularity of both Fawad and Mahira in India.
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