Maharashtra Party Opposes Release of Pakistani Film

The release of the highly anticipated Pakistani film 'The Legend of Maula Jatt' in India has been effectively blocked due to political backlash, particularly from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray, who pledged to prevent its screening in Maharashtra. The film, featuring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, was set for release on October 2 but faced opposition amidst ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly as Indian films have been banned in Pakistan since 2019. Thackeray criticized the decision to allow a Pakistani film to be screened, questioning why Indian audiences should support films from a country he describes as hostile. This political climate has led to the film's release being restricted to Punjab only, following its successful 2022 debut in Pakistan. The MNS has warned theater owners against screening the film, citing potential unrest during the Navratri festival. The ban on Pakistani artists in India, initiated after the 2016 Uri attack, further complicates the film's prospects in the region.