Indian political party MNS opposes release of Fawad Khan’s The Legend of Maula Jatt in the country

Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan starrer The Legend of Maula Jatt may have reached new heights but for Ameya Khopkar, an Indian political leader and film producer, it’s still not enough for the film to release in India.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena party leader took to Twitter on Friday and wrote, “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.”

Khopkar shared that on the orders of MNS Chairperson Raj Thackeray, they will not allow release of The Legend of Maula Jatt anywhere in India. There are no confirmed reports that the film will release in India, only speculations.

In a follow-up tweet, the producer-politician who has made films like Lai Bhaari, Ye Re Ye Re Paisa and Bhonga called Fawad’s Indian fans “traitors” and suggested they go to Pakistan to watch the film.

The Legend of Maula Jatt is not the only film that Khopkar and MNS have an issue with. The producer previously spoke against the release of Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil starring Fawad, Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor and some party leaders opposed the release of Mahira’s Raees alongside Shah Rukh Khan. MNS had called for a ban on Pakistani artists working in India.

At the time of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’s release six years ago, Khopkar had told India Today, “Nation comes first. We don’t care about losses faced by producers. There will be trouble in theatres if Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is released. Yes, we are threatening.”

The Legend of Maula Jatt is a reboot of the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt, reimagining Punjab’s own superhero for a world audience. The film also stars Humaima Malick, Gohar Rasheed, Faris Shafi, Ali Azmat, Raheela Agha, Babar Ali, Saima Baloch, Shafqat Cheema, Nayyar Ejaz and Resham.

As of November, the film made $8.95 million at the worldwide box office. The Legend of Maula Jatt made $3.58 million at the domestic box office and $5.37 million internationally. The film continues its box office run both domestically and internationally. The uncut version of the film released on December 2 and is now available to watch in the UK.