India Puts Release of Blockbuster Pakistani Film on Hold
The release of a highly anticipated Pakistani film has been indefinitely postponed in India after officials in Delhi denied permission for its screening, as reported by the BBC.
The film, The Legend of Maula Jatt, is a remake of a 1979 Punjabi classic and has become the highest-grossing film in Pakistan’s history. It was set to premiere in the northern Indian state of Punjab on Wednesday, marking the first Pakistani film to be screened in India in over a decade.
The frosty relationship between India and Pakistan often impacts cultural exchanges, and this situation is no exception. A source from Zee Studios, the film’s distributor in India, confirmed that the release has been stalled indefinitely following a denial from the information and broadcasting ministry.
The reasons behind the hold-up remain unclear.
Starring some of Pakistan’s biggest names, Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, the 2022 film narrates the tale of a local folk hero who confronts the leader of a rival clan. Initially slated for release in 2022, the film’s screening was postponed until last month, when director Bilal Lashari announced plans for its Indian debut.
On Instagram, Lashari expressed his excitement, stating, “Two years in, and still house full on weekends in Pakistan! Now, I can’t wait for our Punjabi audience in India to experience the magic of this labour of love!”
However, the announcement sparked protests in Maharashtra, where the regional Maharashtra Navnirman Sena political party vowed to prevent the film’s release “under any circumstances.” Mumbai, located in Maharashtra, is home to Bollywood, India’s largest film industry.
In light of the tensions, Zee Studios decided to restrict the film’s release to Punjab state, which shares cultural ties and a language with Pakistan’s Punjab province. Despite their strained relations, India and Pakistan have historically shared a deep appreciation for each other’s art and culture.
