Hindu extremist group threatens against release of "The Legend of Maula Jatt" in India

A Hindu extremist group has issued threats against the release of Pakistan's popular film The Legend of Maula Jatt in Indian cinemas and declared a boycott of all Pakistani artists.

The Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, nephew of the staunch anti-Pakistani figure Bal Thackeray, has called for the film's release to be blocked in Indian theaters.

MNS leader Ameya Kopekar branded Indian fans of actor Fawad Khan as "traitors" and affirmed that they would follow Raj Thackeray’s directions to stop the Pakistani film, which is slated for release in India on October 2.

He also criticised the Indian film company for agreeing to release The Legend of Maula Jatt in the country.

Initially, the film was set to release in Indian cinemas in December 2022, but the screening was cancelled due to strong opposition from extremist Hindu groups, including the MNS.

The Legend of Maula Jatt released on October 13, 2022, and achieved phenomenal success at the box office.

The film, a remake of the 1979 classic Maula Jatt, starred Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mahira Khan, and Humaima Malik in leading roles.

Pakistani actors were banned from working in India following the 2016 Uri attacks, with the ban intensified after the 2019 Pulwama attack.

On the other hand, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition seeking a ban on Pakistani artists from performing or working in India in November 2023.