Pakistani blockbuster movie ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ starring phenomenal stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan in lead roles, has been delayed from releasing in India due to a court petition, its distributor confirmed on Wednesday. The film was scheduled for release today, in the Indian state of Punjab but faced opposition from a far-right Hindu party.
Speaking to Indian media, the film’s distributor, Nadeem Mandviwala told PTI that an Indian ministry has obtained a stay order from a court against the release of the film so the screening is now stalled.
He said that though he held the exclusive distribution rights of the film in Pakistan, he knew that the company holding the international rights with Zee India had collaborated to make the release of the film possible in India’s Punjab.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEWqOAcYgpQ
“Unfortunately, its release has once again been stalled and there is nothing anyone can do until the court gives its decision,” Mandviwalla said.
Mandviwalla, one of the top distributors, exhibitors, and cinema owners in Pakistan, said that whenever the film’s release is possible in India, it will be a big step forward for the Pakistani industry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHnJglJ5wJM
“I am pretty sure given the quality and efforts put into the making of the film and its brilliant cast, Maula Jatt will be a big hit in Indian Punjab,” he added.
Since it was announced that the film is set to be released in India’s Punjab, there has been a lot of resistance from some parties and politicians and others and Mandiwalla felt it was because of this that the concerned authorities had gone to court.
On September 18, film's director Bilal Lashari announced the movie will be released in the Indian state of Punjab by Zee Studios in collaboration with Zindagi, which also brought Fawad back to audiences in India with its latest show Barzakh.