As the Pakistani film “The Legend of Maula Jatt” prepares for its release in India, Raj Thackeray, chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), issued a stern warning to theatres on Sunday. He declared that his party would not allow the film’s release in Maharashtra.
Taking to social media platform X, Thackeray expressed his concerns in Marathi, stating, “Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s movie ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ is set to release in India soon. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will not permit the movie to be screened in Maharashtra under any circumstances. Why are films featuring Pakistani actors being allowed in India?”
Thackeray further criticized the government, urging them not to allow the film’s release in any state. He commented, “Art may know no national boundaries, but that does not apply to Pakistan. What measures are being taken to allow actors from a country that thrives on hatred toward India to perform here and showcase their films? The government should prevent this film from being screened nationwide, not just in Maharashtra.”
He also raised concerns about potential unrest during the upcoming Navratri festival, which coincides with the film’s release. Thackeray emphasized the need for peace, indicating that both the state’s leadership and the MNS aim to avoid any disturbances during this period.
“The Legend of Maula Jatt,” which stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, became a massive hit in Pakistan upon its release in 2022, grossing over ₹400 crore globally. This film is a remake of the 1979 classic “Maula Jatt” and is set to be distributed in India by Zee Studios in collaboration with Zindagi. If it releases, it would mark the first Pakistani film to hit Indian theatres in 13 years, since “Bol” in 2011.
Following the 2016 Uri terror attack, Pakistani artists faced a ban from working in India. Although the Supreme Court dismissed a plea to impose a complete ban on Pakistani artists in 2022, tensions regarding their film releases remain high.
