Dawn Images

The celebrated Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt (TLOMJ), starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, is finally gearing up for its official release in India on October 2.

The announcement came via the film’s official Instagram page, where the makers confirmed, “The Legend Of Maula Jatt’s legacy lives on! Catch the cinematic masterpiece in Indian theatres from 2nd October 2024. Book your tickets now!”

The post also teased further updates, mentioning, “P.S. Cinema lists to be shared soon.”

The film was initially slated to be released in India in December 2022. However, the release was postponed indefinitely, leaving fans disappointed.

At the time, a spokesperson for the Indian multiplex chain INOX revealed to Dawn, “The distributor has conveyed that the release of the film in India has now been postponed indefinitely, and we have not been given any new date or the reason for stalling the release.”

Zee Studios, which had acquired the distribution rights, was set to release the film in Delhi and Punjab, but remained silent on the matter during the 2022 postponement. Despite no comments from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), sources had indicated that theatre announcements would follow once the CBFC clearance had been secured.

Prior to this, reports surfaced that the Indian political party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) may have opposed the film’s release. However, the Punjab Censor Board was expected to proceed with the approval.

The journey of TLOMJ from Pakistan to India has been long and fraught with delays, but the film’s success has been undeniable. It made its debut on October 13, 2022, and soon made history by surpassing Rs400 crore worldwide by August 2023.

This achievement positioned it as the first Pakistani film to cross this impressive milestone.

With its October release in India, TLOMJ becomes the first Pakistani film to hit Indian theatres in over a decade, following Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol. Given its success, there’s heightened anticipation from Indian fans, especially because of the film’s star-studded cast and its reputation as a cinematic masterpiece.