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Raj Thackeray issues warning ahead of Fawad Khan’s film release in India

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Raj Thackeray issues warning ahead of Fawad Khan’s film release in India

The film, directed by Bilal Lashari, is a remake of the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt.

Bombay:

Before the premiere of the Pakistani film “The Legend of Maula Jatt” starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan in India, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray issued a stern warning, stating that the film would not be allowed to be released in Maharashtra. Mr Thackeray’s statement comes at a time when the film is set to become the first Pakistani film in over a decade to be released in Indian cinemas, with a release scheduled for October 2.

Mr Thackeray criticised the release of films featuring Pakistani actors in India, saying cultural exchanges with Pakistan should not be tolerated in view of the tense relations between the two countries.

“Art has no national boundaries, in other cases it is fine, but in the case of Pakistan it will not work at all. What is the start of bringing actors from this country here to dance and show their films on the single issue of hatred towards India? Let alone Maharashtra, the government should not allow this film to be screened in any state of the country,” he asked. “Of course, what the other states should do is their question. It is certain that this film will not be released in Maharashtra.”

He appealed to theatre owners to avoid screening the film, recalling earlier action taken by the MNS to block similar releases. “Everyone remembers the action we took earlier. We do not want any conflict during Navratri festival when this film is scheduled to release, but we will not hesitate if this film is screened in Maharashtra,” he wrote on X.

One sec “The Legend of Maula Jatt” The film is expected to do well at the box office, given the popularity of Fawad Khan and Mahir Khan in India for their previous projects, the MNS has reiterated its opposition. Ameya Khopkar, president of MNS Cinema Wing, echoed Mr Thackeray’s sentiments, urging people across India to protest the film’s release. “This film will not be released and we will not allow Pakistani actors or films to be screened in India. If theatres dare to screen this film, they will face the consequences,” Ameya Khopkar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Directed by Bilal Lashari, the film is a remake of the 1979 cult classicMaula Jatt and was a huge success in Pakistan, grossing Rs 400 crore worldwide. It is being released in India by Zee Studios in association with ‘Zindagi’, which also starred in the series ‘Barzakh’ with Fawad Khan.

“The Navratri festival will start around the time of the film’s release. I don’t want any conflict in Maharashtra. And the Chief Minister, Home Minister and Director General of Police in the state don’t want the same. And we don’t want any conflict,” Mr Thackeray said.

“I would like to see no conflict over any Pakistani cinema in the country and I am sure the government will give due attention to this,” he added.

“The Legend of Maula Jatt” would be the first Pakistani film released in India since 2011.Pain‘, starring Humaima Malick and Atif Aslam. It was originally scheduled for a December 2022 release but faced delays.

The ban on Pakistani artists working in India comes after the 2016 Uri terror attack, which heightened tensions between the two countries and disrupted cultural exchanges, including Fawad Khan’s burgeoning Bollywood career. Although Fawad and Mahira remain popular in India, the political climate continues to complicate their involvement in Indian cinema.