Raj Thackeray Warns Against Screening The Legend of Maula Jatt, Says MNS Will Take Action If Film Is Released
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has firmly opposed the upcoming release of the Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt in India, particularly targeting Maharashtra. Scheduled to hit theaters on October 2, 2024, the film stars popular Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan. This would mark the first Pakistani movie to be screened in Indian theaters in over a decade.
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Thackeray, known for his hardline stance on cultural exchanges with Pakistan, took to social media on September 22, 2024, to express his dissatisfaction. He questioned the rationale behind allowing Pakistani actors, who are banned from working in India following the 2016 Uri terror attack, to showcase their films here. He declared, “Art may not have borders, but in the case of Pakistan, it does,” underscoring that no film featuring Pakistani talent should be allowed in India, particularly in Maharashtra.
The MNS leader has issued a stern warning to theater owners, urging them to refrain from screening the movie. Thackeray reminded the public of previous incidents where MNS disrupted screenings of Pakistani films and warned of potential consequences if his request is ignored. This warning comes ahead of the Navratri festival, a significant time in Maharashtra, when both Thackeray and the state leadership wish to avoid any unrest.
The Legend of Maula Jatt, which was a box-office hit in Pakistan, is being distributed in India by Zee Studios in collaboration with Zindagi. Despite its success, the film has ignited controversy due to its timing and the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. Thackeray has urged the Indian government to intervene and prevent the movie from being screened nationwide, not just in Maharashtra. His stance reflects ongoing concerns about allowing Pakistani cultural products in Indian markets.
The film is a remake of the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt and has grossed over ₹400 crore globally since its release in Pakistan. If The Legend of Maula Jatt does make it to Indian theaters, it is expected to be primarily released in Punjab
