MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Hindu extremist Raj Thackeray, has warned cinema hall owners against screening of the Pakistani film “The Legend of Maula Jat,” which is up for release in Maharashtra.
The last Pakistani film to get a theatrical release in India was “Bol” starring Mahira Khan in 2011. Before that was “Ramchand Pakistani” starring Nandita Das and Rashid Farooqi in 2008. “Khuda Kay Liye”, which included Fawad in the ensemble cast alongside Naseeruddin Shah, came in 2007.
According to multiple Indian media reports, the MNS has sent out letters to the various cinema establishments, including Zee Studios, Movietime Cinema, August Entertainment, and Tilak Entertainment, stating their vehement opposition to the proposed release.
Earlier this month, MNS leader Ameya Khopkar threatened that his party would not let Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s Pakistani film ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt‘ to release in India.
“There are plans to release Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s Pakistani film ‘ The Legend of Maula Jatt’ in India. It is most infuriating that an Indian company is leading this plan. Following Raj Saheb’s orders we will not let this film release anywhere in India,” he tweeted.
The film is expected to be released on December 30, sources told India Today TV. This would be the first Pakistani film to release in India in a decade.