Pakistani films are back in Indian theatres
Pakistani movie ‘The Legend of Mawla Jat’ will be release in India after nine years
The actors of Pakistan Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan won the hearts of Indian audiences with their performances in the popular television series ‘Humsafar‘ before making their Bollywood debut. However, after the Pulwama attack in 2019, the ban on Pakistani artists working in India stalled their careers in Bollywood.
Pakistani cinema returns to India
Now, almost a decade later, Pakistani cinema is making a comeback in India with the release of ‘The Legend of Maula Jat’. The film The Legend of Maula Jat, featuring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan together again, originally released in Pakistan in 2022. However, it has not yet reached Indian theaters until now.. The Legend of Maula Jat will hit theaters in Punjab, India, on October 2, 2024. This marks the first time a Pakistani film will screen in Indian theaters since Mahira Khan’s Bin Roye was released in 2015.
Director Bilal Lashari announced the news on social media, expressing excitement for Indian audiences to experience the magic of the film. Mahira shared her excitement on Instagram, while Fawad joined in celebrating the milestone.
‘The Legend of Mawla Jat’ is a remake of a classic Pakistani film and revolves around the fierce rivalry between two characters: Noori Naat, played by Hamza Ali Abbasi and Mawla Jat, played by Fawad Khan. The film’s release created a significant buzz among Indian audiences eager to watch Pakistani movies on the big screen again.
In November 2023, the Supreme Court lifted the ban on Pakistani artists after it dismissed a plea to keep the ban in place. This ruling allows Pakistani artists to work in India again. This decision reflects a growing recognition that industry transcends geographic boundaries.
Fawad Khan has previously acted in several Bollywood films including ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ and ‘Kapoor & Sons’, while Mahira made her debut in ‘Raees’ opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Their return to Indian cinema represents a new chapter in Indo-Pak cultural relations.
