Bilal Lashari’s ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ is the highest grossing Lollywood film, ever. It borrows heavily from HBO’s Game of Thrones—in terms of aesthetics, set design, characters, plot, arcs—heck even the background music! While creating a GoT-style universe in Pakistan isn’t a problem in itself, shouldn’t one include cultural elements which were typical of the time the film is set in?
Pray, why are Pakistani pehelwans fighting like gladiators in the middle of an arena with axes? Is this historically accurate? Did arenas exist in Pakistan back in the day? Even if they did, why does the moodboard and ambience seem GoT-inspired?
Don’t get me wrong—the film does have a sound plot, reasonably good acting performances and is immenselt watchable. But it doesn’t offer novelty in a time when fantasy shows like House of the Dragon, Lord of the Rings have already been discovered by most.
The Legend of Maula Jatt: Plot
The film opens with the white-clad Jatt clan being attacked in the dead of the night by the Natt clan (who are dressed in black). Sardar Jatt (Babar Ali) and his wife, Malika Jatt (Resham) fight tooth-and-nail as their haveli is ransacked. The Jatts are killed and are survived by Maula (young Maula played by Rehan Fareed Rehaj; the adult by Fawad Khan) who has no memory of the night.
Maula is adopted by Daani (Raheela Agha) who is now his foster mother. Maula is the most formidable fighter in Punjab. His brother Mooda, who loves shero-shayari is played by Faris Shafi (the rapper known for his Coke Studio hits).
The Legend of Maula Jatt: Performances
Elsewhere in the Natt clan, the matter of succession heats up. Noori Natt (played convincingly by Hamza Ali Khan) is the next in line to succeed the King. An unhinged Gohad Rasheed plays Maakha Natt, the co-conspirator whose loyalties can switch any second.
The film takes a long time (read: forever) for worldbuilding. This would have been justified if it wasn’t apparent in the first glance that we are witnessing an inter-clan rivalry (GoT had Houses fighting each other for the Throne). The idea isn’t the most original, even the Lashari and co. do manage to build intrigue and make us feel for the characters on an emotional level.
The Legend of Maula Jatt: Writing And Direction
Fawad Khan does justice to his role as Maula—a man with a heavy beard, who passes out after heavy drinking and is distressed by the visions from his childhood. Hamza Ali Abbasi as Noori is charismatic as an anti-hero. His barbs, each of them beginning with “Soneyo (My dear)” are quite witty.
What works well for the film is Mahira and Fawad (Mukho and Maula)’s chemistry. Special mention to the ravishing Humaima Malik who plays Daaro Nattni. Her deadpan face and cruel antics give a tough competition to her psychotic brother.
The Legend of Maula Jatt: What Works, What Doesn’t
What didn't work for this critic is the antagonist In the film. You see, writing antagonists is an art not everyone can master. In case we didn't take the hint the first ten times when Maakha violates a woman, kills a man in cold blood and slaughters countless people, we are told repeatedly who to root for. Is nuance still in the room with us? I dont think so.
All in all, Maula Jatt is fantasy show 101.The lack of novelty and the derivative nature of the film plays spoilsport. The characters are unhinged as ever. If only the film had kept the cultural and social significance of the time it is in set in intact, Maula Jatt would have been a convincing war epic.
Star Rating: 2.5 / 5 stars
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