The Punjabi-language movie, which has one of the largest budgets in Pakistani film history, is a remake of Yunus Malik’s cult classic “Maula Jatt,” which was first released in 1979.
The film centers on the storied rivalry between Noori Natt, the head of a vicious gang, and local hero Maula Jatt, played by Khan and Abbasi, respectively. Bilal Lashari, whose debut film ‘Waar’ smashed box office records in Pakistan, directed the movie. Mahira Khan and Humaima Malick are also featured in the movie.
Critics and fans alike exploded on the internet, citing how the film has set a new standard for Pakistani cinematic excellence, praising the scale, actors, cinematography, music, visual effects and more.
The conversations also steered towards national pride and the potential of Pakistani cinema and calls to the government to invest further in the arts.
In a recent interview with Variety Magazine, Khan shared how the idea of making a reboot as opposed to a remake came about: “The actors who made that film what it was – Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi – were very big veterans of the industry,” Khan was quoted as saying by Variety Magazine.
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“To take their acting as an influence for modern cinema may have been a bit out of context, and all respect to them, but we felt that these were very big shoes to fill, and therefore maybe we should attempt something.”
Prior to the premiere, Lashari put out a reminiscent and hopeful message to his fans and audiences, recounting the journey of the film that started about a decade ago, and that finally came to fruition.
The film is being appreciated by critics across the world.
#TheLegendOfMaulaJatt, a never seen before type of film in Pakistani cinema after a long time. The character of Noori was the standout for me indeed 👍🏼 Credit goes to @blashari and @AmmaraHikmat for creating this masterpiece, great job guys!! 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/n95MIHU5qr
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) October 13, 2022
The Legend of Maula Jatt is spectacular. Brilliantly entertaining. It’s not often a film of this scale lives up to expectations. This one exceeds them. Cinematic, theatrical – almost Shakespearean. I want to watch it again. Terrific job all round! 👏🏽🔥🎉 pic.twitter.com/v8UEeVuz76
— Haroon Rashid (@iHaroonRashid) October 13, 2022
The Legend of Maula Jatt chief Bilal Lashari gives a heads-up before the release of the historical epic: not to bring kids.
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Back in 2020, the Waar director warned the audience, “The Legend of Maula Jatt is not for the faint-hearted or children,” said the filmmaker in a statement.
“Parents might not find the film suitable for their kids because of the graphic nature of few scenes so I would strictly advise against bringing children to the cinema. Such outright violence is not for the faint-hearted and little ones.”