Raj Thackeray Opposes Release of The Legend of Maula Jatt in India

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a stern warning regarding the release of the Pakistani film, "The Legend of Maula Jatt," in India. Scheduled for release on October 2, Thackeray has made it clear that the film will not be allowed to screen in Maharashtra, and he has threatened action against theatre owners who defy this directive.

In a recent tweet, Thackeray expressed his concerns, stating, "Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s movie titled, 'The Legend of Maula Jatt' is going to be released in India soon. The MNS will not allow the movie to be released in Maharashtra under any circumstances. Why are films of Pakistani actors allowed to be released in India?" This statement reflects a growing sentiment among certain political factions in India regarding the screening of films featuring Pakistani actors.

Thackeray further elaborated on his stance, saying, "And art has no borders, which is fine in other cases, but in the case of Pakistani actors, this will not work at all. Governments should not allow this film to be released in any state of the country, not just Maharashtra." His comments highlight a significant divide in opinions about cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan, particularly in the realm of entertainment.

As the release date approaches, Thackeray has warned theatre owners to reconsider their plans. He stated, "Everyone will remember what MNS did when such incidents happened before. Therefore, theatre owners are now humbly requested not to fall into the predicament of screening films." This warning is a reminder of the MNS's previous actions against films that they deemed inappropriate.

Thackeray also mentioned the upcoming Navratri festival, emphasizing the need to maintain peace in Maharashtra. He tweeted, "Navratri festival will start around the time when this film will be released. I don’t want any conflict to happen in Maharashtra. The same will not be the desire of the Chief Minister, Home Minister and Director General of Police of the state. And we don’t want any conflict." This statement underscores the importance of cultural sensitivities during significant festivals.

For context, "The Legend of Maula Jatt" is a remake of the 1979 cult classic "Maula Jatt" and features popular Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan. The film was a massive success in Pakistan, grossing over Rs 400 crore at the global box office since its release in 2022. It is being released in India by Zee Studios in collaboration with "Zindagi," marking the first Pakistani film to hit Indian screens in 13 years, following the release of "Bol" in 2011.

The controversy surrounding the release of "The Legend of Maula Jatt" in India raises important questions about cultural exchange and the impact of political sentiments on the arts. As the film industry continues to navigate these complex waters, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what it means for future collaborations between Indian and Pakistani cinema. The dialogue surrounding this issue is crucial, as it reflects broader societal attitudes and the potential for reconciliation through shared cultural experiences.