Won’t Allow Fawad’s Film To Release In Maharashtra: Raj Thackeray
Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a stern warning to theatre owners in Maharashtra, threatening serious consequences if they screen the Pakistani blockbuster film The Legend of Maula Jatt film, starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, is scheduled for release in India on October 2 and is set to be the first Pakistani film to be screened in India in nearly a decade.
Taking to social media on Sunday, Thackeray questioned the decision to allow the film’s release. “*Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s movie titled ‘Legend of Maula Jatt’ is going to release in India soon. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena 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?*” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Thackeray further stated that while art transcends borders in many cases, it should not apply to Pakistan. He argued that allowing Pakistani actors and filmmakers to work in India is inappropriate given the hostility between the two countries. “*Art knows no national boundaries, that’s fine in other cases, but in the case of Pakistan, it won’t work at all. Why are we getting artists from a country that propagates hatred for India, to dance here and screen their films?*” he added.
The MNS leader reminded the public of previous incidents when the party took strong action against those involved in the screening of Pakistani films and hinted at a repeat if theatres defy the warning. “*If theatre owners who are reluctant to screen Marathi films allow Pakistani cinema to enter this land, it will cost them big time. I do not want any conflict in the state during Navratri, and I am sure the government does not want it too,*” Thackeray cautioned.
The MNS Cinema Wing President, Ameya Khopkar, echoed Thackeray’s sentiments. Khopkar stated, “*There have been attacks till last week, and we will watch movies of Pakistan actors? How can one even think something like this? We will not let them land their feet here, we will break it.*”
The release of Pakistani films and the involvement of Pakistani artists in Indian entertainment has been a contentious issue since a ban was imposed following the Uri terror attack in 2016. In November 2023, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition seeking a complete ban on Pakistani artists from performing in India. Despite the legal decision, opposition to their involvement continues, particularly from political parties like the MNS.
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