Ahead of the anticipated release of Fawad Khan’s Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt in India on October 2, 2024, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has issued a stern warning. The MNS, which has opposed Pakistani artists in India since 2016, reiterated its stance, vowing to block the film’s release across Indian cinemas. Ameya Khopkar, the president of MNS Cinema Wing, warned cinema owners about the repercussions of screening the film, emphasizing that no Pakistani talent should be allowed in India.
This controversy comes despite the immense popularity of The Legend of Maula Jatt across Pakistan, where it has become a record-breaking hit. Starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, the film marks the first major Pakistani cinematic release in India in over a decade. The film’s release is seen by many as a cultural bridge, but political tensions have escalated due to MNS’s threats. They oppose the presence of Pakistani artists in India, despite the Supreme Court’s earlier dismissal of a plea for a total ban on Pakistani actors.
The timing of this release is particularly sensitive, as diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan remain strained. MNS has previously succeeded in preventing Pakistani artists from performing or working in India, and their influence remains a challenge for the film’s release.
Despite the opposition, fans of Fawad Khan in India remain excited, though uncertainty lingers on whether the movie will indeed hit Indian screens.
