the legend of maula jatt movie review

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

The Legend of Maula Jatt review – Pakistani classic remake is Game of Thrones meets Gladiator

Entertaining new version of Pakistan cult movie follows a young noble boy spirited away to a poor village when a rival clan slaughters his parents

I magine Game of Thrones crossed with Gladiator and you’ll have something like this entertainingly old fashioned action movie with epic levels of throat slashing, spectacular scenery and a fair bit of camp. Rumoured to be Pakistan’s highest-budget film, this remake of a cult classic from 1979 is the story of a young noble boy, Maula Jatt, who is spirited away to a poor village when a rival clan slaughters his parents.

After a flashback to that massacre we meet Maula (Fawad Khan) as a young man. The size of a well-fed bear, he earns a living fighting in gladiatorial games, pummelling poor souls from neighbouring villages. But the discovery of his past sets him off on a path of revenge against the Natt family responsible for killing his parents.

That journey is predictable enough but made juicily watchable by a trio of scenery-chewing villains from the Natt clan. Meanest of them is eldest son Noori (Hamza Ali Abbasi), an untameable mountain of a man who speaks in a menacingly gentle purr. Noori has chosen to live in prison, having heard it’s where the fiercest men in the country are kept. There’s a wonderful weariness in his disappointment at the poor quality of opponents. “Oh God, I ask you for lions and you send me sheep.”

Noori’s little brother and rival is petulant pretty-boy Maakha (Gohar Rasheed). There are shades of Nero in his psychotic smirk, his pouncing on a young woman for sexual thrills and killing her suitor. Last of the murderous siblings is sister Daaro (Humaima Malick). The movie ends, unsurprisingly, with a big fight between Maula and Noori – a fight in which Maula pauses to twiddle his fine moustache. Like I said, old school; still, I enjoyed every minute.

• Drama films
• Action and adventure films
• South and central Asia

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

site categories

Tribeca festival co-founders robert de niro and jane rosenthal condemn sentencing of iranian filmmaker mohammad rasoulof, int’l critics line: ‘the legend of maula jatt’.

By Stephanie Bunbury

Stephanie Bunbury

More stories by stephanie.

• Berlin Film Festival 2024: All Of Deadline’s Movie Reviews
• ‘The Roundup: Punishment’ Review: Don Lee Thrills And Blood Spills In Fun, Stylish Police Action Thriller From Korea – Berlin Film Festival
• ‘Seven Veils’ Review: Atom Egoyan’s Cold But Bracing Take on ‘Salome’ – Berlin Film Festival

Related Stories

Actor-Director Chris Soriano's 'The Master Chief: Subic Bay' Confirms August Shoot, Actress Heart Evangelista Set To Appear

Korea's CJ ENM Unveils Three-Year Co-Production Deal With Japanese Broadcaster TBS

The Legend of Maula Jatt is, however, a very different beast – a beast with the claws of Game of Thrones , the horns of Lord of the Rings and the whipping tail of 300 , with the gandasa itself becoming less of a fieldworker’s weapon of choice and more like Thor’s invincible hammer. One end has the halberd-like blade, while the other end has a retractable spike so thick it creates a porthole in anybody that gets in its way. Nothing about it screams sustainable crop management. 

Flash forward – after a mere 11 packed minutes – 25 years. Maula (a bulked-up, bad-boy glamorous Fawad Khan ) has grown up to become the carnival wrestler who never loses, with Mooda (Faris Shafi) as his wingman. But he still has those nightmares, now exacerbated by prodigious drinking; he even ignores Mukkho (Mahira Khan), the spirited woman who adores him. When he finally discovers how he came to be here and what the nightmares mean, he immediately embraces his birth family’s tradition. Maula, accompanied by Mooda as his Sancho Panza, goes forth for revenge. 

The aging Natt Sardar, whose castle is the size of a mountain, has three villainous children. Younger son Maakha (Gohar Rasheed), is a twittering psychopath who regularly does the rounds to rape, extort and intimidate the quivering peasants. His older brother Noori (Hamza Ali Abbasi) is so hard he has voluntarily incarcerated himself in a prison for years so he can fight the meanest dudes in the Punjab. Disappointingly for him, none of them is quite mean enough.

Noori dotes on his extremely mean sister Daaro (Humaima Malik), who is inclined to cut off her cousins’ heads at the dinner table. Noori rescued Daaro from being buried alive as an infant by order of their father, who was ashamed of having a daughter. It is Daaro who persuades Noori to give up on prison life and claim the Sardar’s turban, which sets the stage for a series of fights in which either Noori or Maula will despatch dozens of assailants, roaring copiously – there is a lot of roaring in this film – and will culminate, entirely inevitably, in a clash of the two titans. 

Spectacular as it is, Legend of Maula Jatt is a very blunt, rather old-fashioned instrument. Fawad Khan, usually busy charming his fans as a sophisticated smoothie, does everything possible to join his character’s dots, but he is largely a cipher for righteous fury. The relationship between Noori and Doora is intriguing, not least for its incestuous undertones, but it remains a tantalizing footnote. So does feisty Mukkho, whose flirtation with the strong, relentlessly silent Maula simply doesn’t get enough screen time to reach that fevered pitch of thwarted eroticism we expect off an epic romance. 

You can see why. The focus has to be on these fighting men circling each other, twirling their mustaches and saying nonsense like, “If I told you my name, every vein in your body would explode, my dear!” It is these kinds of lines that became catchphrases with the original Maula Jat and made the avenger a cult figure; you wouldn’t want to lose the specific allure of the genre or, indeed, its regional identity. And don’t get me wrong: The Legend of Maula Jatt is coarse-grained fun from beginning to end, especially if you’re partial to a severed head. But you could hope for more complexity. A few more layers, maybe, below all that camped up rage.

Must Read Stories

Mahershala ali & tom hardy set for nyc crime thriller ‘77 blackout’ with roven & fukunaga.

‘Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes’ Reigns With $55M-$56M Opening Frame

‘top boy’, ‘happy valley,’ spall, lancashire among tv awards winners: full list, maya rudolph channels beyoncé & celebrates moms; ‘weekend update’ & more.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.

Read More About:

10 comments.

Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Your browser is not supported

Sorry but it looks as if your browser is out of date. To get the best experience using our site we recommend that you upgrade or switch browsers.

Find a solution

• Skip to main content
• Skip to navigation

• Back to parent navigation item
• Digital Editions
• Screen Network
• Stars Of Tomorrow
• The Big Screen Awards
• FYC screenings
• World of Locations
• UK in focus
• Job vacancies
• Distribution
• Staff moves
• Territories
• UK & Ireland
• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• Future Leaders
• My Screen Life
• Karlovy Vary
• San Sebastian
• Sheffield Doc/Fest
• Middle East
• Box Office Reports
• International
• Golden Globes
• European Film Awards
• Stars of Tomorrow
• Berlin jury grid

Subscribe to Screen International

• Monthly print editions
• Awards season weeklies
• Stars of Tomorrow and exclusive supplements
• Over 16 years of archived content
• More from navigation items

​’The Legend Of Maula Jatt’: Review

By Namrata Joshi 2022-10-15T10:37:00+01:00

Reportedly the most expensive Pakistani movie ever made, the ‘Maula Jat’ remake heads out into international markets

Source: Moviegoers Entertainment

‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’

Dir: Bilal Lashari. Pakistan. 2022. 153mins

The second feature from Pakistani filmmaker Bilal Lashari ( Waar) ,  The Legend of Maula Jatt  might be about the making of the folk hero Maula Jatt (Fawad Khan) but it’s the origin story of his arch nemesis Noori Natt (Hamza Ali Abbasi) with its unexpected feminist undertones that is far more compelling in the light of the preponderance of crimes against women, not just in Pakistan but South Asia at large. Despite the cliched visual mode of cloaking all the evil characters in pitch-black costumes and the good ones in pristine white, it’s this knotty anomaly in the DNA of the antagonist that makes Lashari’s fresh take on the influential Pakistani classic  Maula Jat  (1979) stand apart. 

It’s easy to lose count of the beheadings

While well-made Pakistani TV dramas have enjoyed a strong popular appeal, Lollywood (as the commercial Pakistani film industry is called) has been floundering, apart from a few exceptions like Lashari’s own  Waar  and   Nabeel Qureshi’s  Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad .  The Legend Of Maula Jatt  is worth a view for being a possible gamechanger, particularly given its worldwide theatrical release (with some notable exceptions like India), the biggest ever for a Pakistani film, hopefully moving it towards a healthier future for Lollywood. Rumoured to be one of the most expensive Pakistani films to date, this is reflected in lavish frames, elaborate sets, detailed production design and the camera’s play with light and shadow. The fight sequences, duels, swordplay and chases are as sumptuously choreographed as a song dance set piece. Lashari takes on most of the key roles behind the camera, including co-writing, cinematography and editing. He retains the primal force intrinsic to the rural tale but mounts it anew like a sprawling epic fantasy, in tune with the post-pandemic blueprint of success in cinema, be it Bollywood or Hollywood, wherein big is beautiful.

The Legend…  is a familiar family revenge saga. A young Maula sees his parents slain by the members of the rival clan. Despite being lovingly brought up by a foster mother who gives him precedence over her own biological son, Maula can’t shake off the nightmares of that bloody night. Eventually, the prize-fighter must get out of his everyday arena, harness his simmering anger and wreak havoc on the tyrants with his legendary gandasa (a huge axe-like weapon). The driving force of personal vengeance must transform into a righteous, human quest for justice. 

Fawad Khan, bulked up and hair covering most of his face, is far from his usual, much-loved sophisticated persona. There is a gladiatorial touch to his very first scene — called “entry” in the Lollywood-Bollywood parlance — as he gets beastly with elan. Mahira Khan, his ladylove from the popular series  Humsafar , plays childhood sweetheart Mukkho. Other than a moment under the stars, where they sing together on top of a ramshackle ferris wheel, the famed on-screen romance doesn’t sparkle as much as it should. It’s Hamza Ali Abbasi as Noori, and his devilish siblings Daaro Nattni (Humaima Malik) and Maakha Natt (Gohar Rasheed) who entertain the most with their perverse ways.

What’s interesting is how the story’s conventional campness also lingers on despite the visual splendour. The dialogue has an oratorical flourish, humour is homespun, and the conversations and confrontations stylised. The kohl-eyed, sinister Noori, has an ironic catchphrase — ‘Soniye’ (‘Dear’) — that he throws menacingly at his foes. Then there is the relentless bloodshed that would do any slasher film proud; it’s easy to lose count of the beheadings. It all means that, despite its obvious flaws, the inordinate length and a protracted finale,  The Legend…  remains steadily absorbing and entertaining.

Production company: Encyclomedia, Lashari Films, AAA Motion Pictures

Contact: Moviegoers Entertainment, Pranab Kapadia,  [email protected]

Producers: Bilal Lashari, Ali Murtaza, Ammara Hikmat

Cinematography: Bilal Lashari

Production design: Namsa Abbasi, Hamza Bajwa

Editing: Bilal Lashari

Original Music: Sarmad Ghafoor

Main cast: Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Humaima Malik, Gohar Rasheed

Related articles

Former WME Independent’s Nelson Mok launches investment and sales outfit Mokster Films

2024-05-10T09:00:00Z By Silvia Wong

The Singapore-based firm will focus on international sales of Asian titles as well as on project development and financing in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Japanese film fund from K2 Pictures to launch at Cannes; backing Hirokazu Kore-eda, Takashi Miike projects

2024-05-09T22:37:00Z By Michael Rosser

The company is led by former Toei producer Muneyuki Kii.

‘My Place Is Here’: Review

2024-05-09T21:23:00Z By Lee Marshall

Post-war patriarchal Italy is the setting for another take on an independent woman trying to make her own way 

More from Reviews

‘Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes’: Review

2024-05-08T15:00:00Z By Tim Grierson Senior US Critic

Gripping Disney blockbuster aims to build a new ‘Apes’ trilogy while maintaining the high standards of the last

‘Farming The Revolution’: Hot Docs Review

2024-05-07T08:52:00Z By Tim Grierson Senior US Critic

Hot Docs winner follows Indian farmers as they unite to protest damaging government laws

‘Intercepted’: Hot Docs Review

2024-05-03T10:32:00Z By Tim Grierson Senior US Critic

Doc combines images of destruction in Ukraine with calls home by Russian soldiers to horrifying effect

• Advertise with Screen
• A - Z of Subjects
• Connect with us on Facebook
• Connect with us on Twitter
• Connect with us on Linked in
• Connect with us on YouTube
• Connect with us on Instagram>

Screen International is the essential resource for the international film industry. Subscribe now for monthly editions, awards season weeklies, access to the Screen International archive and supplements including Stars of Tomorrow and World of Locations.

• Screen Awards
• Media Production & Technology Show
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy & Cookie Policy
• Copyright © 2023 Media Business Insight Limited
• Subscription FAQs

Site powered by Webvision Cloud

The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022)

• User Reviews

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews

• User Ratings
• External Reviews
• Metacritic Reviews
• Full Cast and Crew
• Release Dates
• Official Sites
• Company Credits
• Filming & Production
• Technical Specs
• Plot Summary
• Plot Keywords
• Parents Guide

Did You Know?

• Crazy Credits
• Alternate Versions
• Connections
• Soundtracks

Photo & Video

• Photo Gallery
• Trailers and Videos

Related Items

• External Sites

Related lists from IMDb users

Recently Viewed

• International
• Today’s Paper
• Join WhatsApp Channel
• Movie Reviews
• Tamil Cinema
• Telugu Cinema

The Legend of Maula Jatt movie review: Charming Fawad Khan delivers the goods in ‘chatpata’ Game of Thrones

The legend of maula jatt movie review: the fawad khan-starrer reminds you of the films bollywood used to make at one time, proudly declamatory, in which the mainstay of the plot was good vs evil..

Rejoice, all ye fans of dreamboat Fawad Khan, he who has made millions of maidens, and not a few lads, swoon all over the globe. I’m here to tell you that he is equally adept at cleaving human heads off their shoulders with a ‘gandasa’ (battle-axe), his scarred cheek, dishevelled hair and carelessly knotted lungi, all coming together in the explosive, deliciously campy The Legend of Maula Jatt .

The most expensively produced Pakistani film currently conquering the box office in the regions where it has released, is a reboot of the iconic 1979 ‘Maula Jatt’, which tells the story of brave warrior Maula (Fawad) taking on the might of the savage, power-hungry Natt clan. Directed by Bilal Lashari, who made a mark with the 2013 actioner ‘Waar’, the new Maula borrows the story from the older one, and dresses it up in a style which meshes ‘chatpata’ subcontinental masala with a very ‘Game of Thrones’ aesthetic. This makes ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ fast, furious, and bloody, with practically every set-piece ending in sprays of the red stuff.

For those unfamiliar with the legend, it involves the massacre of the Jatt family, leaving the young Maula traumatised and terrified. A kindly woman takes him in, and raises him with her own son Moodha (Shafi), lavishing even more ‘laad and pyaar’ on the orphan because, well, that’s what desi mums do, right? The initial bits are spent building up the affectionate sparring between Maula and Moodha, their initiation into professional wrestling, and Maula being anointed as the local hero who always wins in the ring.

This is leavened by the jostling between the smitten ‘gaon-ki-gori’ Mukkho Jattni (Mahira) and Maula, her coming on heavy, him pretending to be disinterested. But we know, don’t we, that he is all about her, and will sooner vs later submit to her passionate ministrations: Mukkhoo may be a village belle who wears her heart on her sleeve, but she has a steely core which tells you that she will overcome all odds to get her man. A gorgeous, dreamy sequence on a moon-lit night makes you wish there was more of their romance in the movie, but then that would deflect from Maula’s purpose of revenge, and all the macho sabre-rattling and blood-letting that the film promises, and that would never do, would it.

The bad guys are almost as charismatic. Noori Natt (Abbasi), chained away in a dungeon to save him from his own ultra-violent impulses, takes over the family business after his equally brutal younger brother Maakha (Rasheed) is pushed out of the equation. Their sister Daaro (Malik), even more vicious, has no qualms about getting rid of those who come in her blow-hot blow-cold way. The clashes between the vile Natts and their henchmen, and the honourable Maula and his village folk fills up the film; all manner of flesh is riven, and the body count rises relentlessly.

‘The Legend Of Maula Jatt’ reminds you of the films Bollywood used to make at one time, loudly, proudly declamatory, in which the mainstay of the plot was good vs evil. Clearly, it was Lollywood’s legacy too. With its ensemble of able performers all having a blast, ‘Maula Jatt’ smartly refreshes that nostalgia, and does double duty : brings back the ‘gandasa’, deep-sixed for decades, as the heroic choice of weapon, and rescues Fawad Khan from playing the eternal lover by making him parlay rage with such efficiency. Hence proving that the ‘gandasa’-flashing Fawad is as sexy, and an even more potent weapon of mass destruction.

The Legend of Maula Jatt The Legend of Maula Jatt cast: Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Humaima Malik, Gohar Rasheed, Faris Shafi The Legend of Maula Jatt director: Bilal Lashari The Legend of Maula Jatt rating: 3.5 stars

Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton on their 'transformation' Subscriber Only

The Boy and the Heron movie review

Bridgerton 3 and Penelope as its onlooker-outsider protagonist Subscriber Only

Lala Lajpat Rai: Beyond the stereotypes Subscriber Only

Santhosh's work is a search to understand history Subscriber Only

Books to read: How to live in capitalism and find Subscriber Only

Murder In Mahim movie review

Predators, and prey, know there is safety in numbers Subscriber Only

Atul Sabharwal’s Berlin portrays pain and loneliness Subscriber Only

• Mahira Khan
• Movie Review

Veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty recently graced the reality television show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. During the programme, the thespian, while interacting with a heartbroken contestant, opened up about his own experience. Mithun revealed that during the early stages of his career when he was a struggling actor, he encountered heartbreak when the girl he was in love with left him.

More Entertainment

Best of Express

May 12: Latest News

• 01 Haitians demand the resignation and arrest of the country’s police chief after a new gang attack
• 02 Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 65.68% voter turnout in third phase, 57% seats saw a decline
• 03 Israel says it is preventing Hamas from re-establishing military hold in Gaza’s Jabalia
• 04 Russian PM proposes new ministers, retains ministers of finance, economy
• 05 IPL 2024 Purple Cap update: Jasprit Bumrah reclaims lead from Harshal Patel during KKR vs MI match
• Elections 2024
• Political Pulse
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Web Stories
• Premium Stories
• Express Shorts
• Health & Wellness
• Brand Solutions

The Legend of Maula Jatt

Fawad Khan (Maula Jatt) Mahira Khan (Mukkho Jatti) Hamza Ali Abbasi (Noori Natt) Humaima Malik (Daaro Nattni) Ahsan Khan (Assassin 2) Babar Ali (Sardar Jatt) Resham (Malika Jatt) Gohar Rasheed (Maakha Natt) Ali Raza (Jaggoo's Guard 5) Shafqat Cheema (Jeeva Natt)

Bilal Lashari

From times untold where legends are written in soil with blood, a hero is born. Maula Jatt, a fierce prizefighter with a tortured past seeks vengeance against his arch nemesis Noori Natt, the most feared warrior in the land of Punjab.

Advertisement

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Fandango at Home
• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Link to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
• The Fall Guy Link to The Fall Guy
• The Last Stop in Yuma County Link to The Last Stop in Yuma County

New TV Tonight

• Interview With the Vampire: Season 2
• After the Flood: Season 1
• Bridgerton: Season 3
• Outer Range: Season 2
• The Big Cigar: Season 1
• Harry Wild: Season 3
• The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Season 11.1
• RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars: Season 9
• Spacey Unmasked: Season 1
• The Killing Kind: Season 1

Most Popular TV on RT

• Dark Matter: Season 1
• Bodkin: Season 1
• Baby Reindeer: Season 1
• A Man in Full: Season 1
• Fallout: Season 1
• Hacks: Season 3
• The Sympathizer: Season 1
• Them: Season 2
• Dead Boy Detectives: Season 1
• X-Men '97: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Doctor Who: Season 1 Link to Doctor Who: Season 1
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

Roger Corman’s Best Movies

100 Best Movies on Tubi (May 2024)

Asian-American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Rotten Tomatoes Predicts the 2024 Emmy Nominations

8 Things To Know About The New Season Of Doctor Who

• Trending on RT
• Furiosa First Reactions
• Streaming in May
• New Doctor Who
• Planet of the Apes Reviews

The Legend of Maula Jatt Reviews

The Legend of Maula Jatt is coarse-grained fun from beginning to end, especially if you’re partial to a severed head. But you could hope for more complexity.

Full Review | Oct 21, 2023

The Legend of Maula Jatt is an overblown mess with too much bad acting for it to be redeemable. The bombastic fight scenes can't disguise how everything about this movie looks stale and unimaginative.

Full Review | Nov 30, 2022

The Fawad Khan-starrer reminds you of the films Bollywood used to make at one time, proudly declamatory, in which the mainstay of the plot was good vs evil.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Oct 31, 2022

Despite its obvious flaws, the inordinate length and a protracted finale, The Legend… remains steadily absorbing and entertaining.

Full Review | Oct 17, 2022

Imagine Game of Thrones crossed with Gladiator and you’ll have something like this entertainingly old fashioned action movie with epic levels of throat slashing, spectacular scenery and a fair bit of camp.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 12, 2022

Movie Review: The Legend of Maula Jatt and the Historical Noori Natt

They say you can’t be great consistently. You can’t reproduce magic, and lightning strikes only once. Blah blah blah. To all those who have been peddling these cliches, I’d tell them to remember that Pakistanis, just like when we play cricket, can produce the strangest, most unlikely of miracles in the most unlikely places. I’d tell them to step into the world of Pakistani cinema and television industry, where we produce magic and power with the stringiest of budgets on tv, and we establish wonderful heroes from very simple stories. We reproduce the magic of two of our most beloved superstars. We give cinema one of the greatest villains ever written – times ten. I’d tell them to watch The Legend of Maula Jatt and chart the sparks between Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, and I’d tell them to drop everything and focus on Hamza Ali Abbasi as Noori Natt.

The Legend of Maula Jatt is set in a fictional time and space. The film borrows much of its core and dialog from the original story written by Nasir Adeeb and produced by Sarwar Bhatti, starring Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi. The 2022 version (which was supposed to be a 2020 version) of Maula Jatt’s story is a goth gorefest with some incredible performances. Fawad Khan, Pakistan’s much-loved star, makes an epic return to the screen, making all of us regret the days we couldn’t celebrate his sheer charisma and aura.

Fawad Khan stars as the eponymous Maula who is out for revenge. He’s a prized fighter with his trusty buddy/bro Mooda (Faris Shafi) doing his bidding and also there to provide some comic relief. Maula is no immediate hero, which is a clear sign of a shift from the original narrative.

The gandasa-wielding hero needs a setup in 2022, and while the first half lingers a bit too much on trying to put everything in place, the rest of the film sure makes up for its epic finale. Fawad Khan, a force as always, says more with his eyes than with his gandasa. And that’s the modern-day hero perhaps Lashari wanted to establish.

Bilal Lashari’s skill is in designing for scale and executing action sequences with a finesse never really seen before on the Pakistani cinematic landscape. Lashari’s attention to detail is almost methodical, chemical. He seems to have imbibed all the great action classics, from the spaghetti westerns to the Bourne series and then the obvious elements from Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and maybe even Ben Hur. Though the film has plenty of nods, homages, and inspirations from Tarantino (the gore, Daro’s entry is fairly reminiscent of a certain sequence in Kill Bill) to Scorsese, there are moments when it delves too deep into its narrative, losing its ability to stick to the narrative at hand: this is essentially about two rivals, Maula and Noori.

These are flaws limited to the first half, however. As the intermission rolls in, the stakes grow higher. Lashari’s modern and gothic take on the classic Punjabi lore of Maula Jatt lifts off at various points. It delivers in plenty of moments, sometimes with the kind of rare genius that hoity-toity armchair critics don’t expect from Pakistani filmmakers. But suppose you’ve known Pakistani cinema for a while. In that case, you’ve been following just how brilliantly some of our content creators can pull off certain stories. You won’t be surprised at the magnificence of the world that Lashari has created with what is simply painstaking detail.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bilal Lashari (@bilal_lashari)

But what is the story about, really? Is it just about a hero and a villain? Well. The original was just that. But Lashari tacks on a few more layers here and there. That’s probably why the back story gets tedious in the first half, especially with the parallel storylines with Maakha Natt, a fairly OTT maniacal villain played by Gohar Rasheed. Mooda and Makha’s stories criss-cross at odd times. But once the set-up is complete and once Noori Natt (Hamza Ali Abbasi) makes his entry, the film changes gears again and catapults its status to legend, thanks to Abbasi’s pitch-perfect depiction of Noori. His first appearance in the film is one of the finest scenes ever gracing the cinema. Period.

The gravelly voice, the menacing eyes, a deliciously evil smile, and a sociopathic but self-aware villain – what’s not to love? Abbasi pours all of his talent, Lashari’s narrative, and the authenticity of Mustafa Qureshi (who originally played Noori Natt) into the modern-day Noori Natt and makes it his own. There is not a single false note in Abbasi’s rendition. Whether it’s the action or the quiet narration, Hamza Ali Abbasi produces the kind of magic onscreen you will see if you are lucky enough to be witnessing this genius. Not that Hamza hasn’t always been a wonderfully talented actor. From his comedic roles in JPNA to his soulful ‘Afzal’ on the small screen and now to Noori, Hamza’s versatility knows no bounds. But with Noori Natt, he’s cemented his position as one of the finest actors today, globally. Like Fawad, it is hoped that Hamza continues to grace us with his talent and presence.

The rest of the star cast hold their own. Mahira Khan as Mukho shares her much-celebrated magical chemistry with Fawad Khan. Mukho and Maula sing love songs in the sky (Mahira Khan can sing better than most singers these days, who would have thought!) as the chorus brings the story to a climax. Humaima Malick, as the fiery Daro steals almost every scene (except whenever she is with Hamza Ali Abbasi, that’s just a sweet steal for both of them), she’s in. Raheela Agha, Shafqat Cheema, and Nayyer Ejaz, stalwarts of cinema and film, keep the momentum steady.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Legend of Maula Jatt (@maulajattofficial)

Does the much-awaited film live up to the hype? Yes. It does. Would it be better if it had been released back in 2020? For sure. What is the value for money you get in a film like this? Everything. This is a film that must be seen in cinemas, it’s a big-screen experience with larger-than-life personas that scream for them to be heard. The Legend of Maula Jatt is a grand cinematic experience, one that must be watched for all its worth. And most of all, for the worthy adversary, aka Noori Natt, without whom the legend would have possibly been merely a myth.

Mahwash Ajaz

Habs episode 23: basit and aisha’s romance hits a roadblock, 5 reasons you should watch “the legend of maula jatt”, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Fawad Khan on ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt,’ ‘Ms. Marvel’ and Bollywood (EXCLUSIVE)

By Naman Ramachandran

Naman Ramachandran

• ‘Poltergeist’ Child Star Heather O’Rourke Doc Leads Indiecan Cannes Market Slate (EXCLUSIVE) 11 hours ago
• ‘Demon Slayer,’ ‘Spy x Family’ on Slate as India’s JioCinema Launches Anime Hub (EXCLUSIVE) 1 day ago
• SonyLIV’s ‘Freedom at Midnight’ Casts Pakistan Leader Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Sister Fatima (EXCLUSIVE) 2 days ago

The long awaited “ The Legend of Maula Jatt ,” starring Pakistani superstars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan (no relation), is set to release theatrically worldwide on Oct. 13.

The Punjabi-language film, which is one of the biggest budgeted in the history of Pakistani cinema, is a reboot of Yunus Malik’s 1979 cult classic “Maula Jatt.” The film focuses on the legendary rivalry between local hero Maula Jatt and Noori Natt, the leader of a brutal gang. Director Bilal Lashari, whose debut feature “Waar” (2013) broke box office records in Pakistan, has reimagined the story for a global audience.

Popular on Variety

“The Legend of Maula Jatt” was finally designed as a reboot rather than a remake. Khan’s role, that of a prizefighter, demanded a lot of physicality but the team opted for a naturalistic body type for the actor based on the South Asian wrestling style Pehlwani.

“They’re not exactly Michelangelo’s sculptures of Greek gods, some of them are just like sumo wrestlers,” says Khan. “We decided that we’d actually go ahead and make a version which is not so sexy by modern standards and make something that’s more a bit off the wall and therefore weight gain came into the equation.”

So, would Khan like to go back and work in Bollywood? “The collaboration with the people that I got to know and the kinds of people I was exposed to there was a great experience and I really enjoyed it. The political fallout [between India and Pakistan] has not influenced our relationships, but it’s definitely made us very wary of answering such a question,” said Khan. “It’s a good question but I can’t give a definitive answer until things stabilize and there are a lot of issues that need to be answered.”

“I hate confrontation, I really avoid it, and I don’t like it. And I don’t like controversy either,” says Khan. “I think it’s more of a question whether someone else would like to work with me, instead of me working with others, because fingers will be pointed at them. I’ll do my work and go away but then the people who’ll have to suffer are those who are who want to collaborate with me. And I care about that because they are going to live there, and they’re going to suffer the consequences.”

“Similarly, if I were to work [in India] and come back [to Pakistan], I’d have to suffer the consequences of what the people or the government or whatever bodies that are involved think about it,” said Khan. “But otherwise, I have a great relationship with the people that I’ve worked with and made great friends. I would love to see them again someday, and maybe work with them again. Whether it be for an international platform, a Pakistani platform, or for an Indian platform. Mainstream Bollywood is a different ballgame altogether.”

Khan also gained international prominence with series “Ms. Marvel,” where he appears in flashback as the lead character’s great-grandfather. The actor says that he made great friends on that set as well, particularly with the producers, but he doesn’t know if the series is returning for a second season or if his character will reappear. “I think the track of the character has ended and sometimes the shortest and the simplest things in life are the sweetest,” said Khan. “But I don’t know what Disney would think what they want to do in the future.”

Meanwhile, post “The Legend of Maula Jatt,” Khan has several projects lined up. “Neelofar,” a love story between a writer and a blind woman, also co-stars Mahira Khan and is co-produced by Fawad Khan, is complete and due a theatrical release in early 2023. Another film, action-comedy “Money Back Guarantee” is due a release in March 2023. Also coming up is “Barzakh,” for Zindagi , the Indian subcontinent focused programming block on streamer ZEE5 Global, directed by Asim Abbasi who also directed Zindagi’s first Pakistani original “Churails” and the feature film “Cake.”

“The Legend of Maula Jatt” is produced by Ammara Hikmat’s Encyclomedia and Lashari Films.

More From Our Brands

Wade bowen is so texas he got troy aikman to cameo on his new album, a manhattan mansion by architect robert d. kohn hits the market for $13 million, atlanta hawks land top pick in french-heavy 2024 nba draft, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, snl video: maya rudolph is mother and slays a mother’s day club song, verify it's you, please log in.

The Legend of Maula Jatt (Movie Review): “Lollywood” Goes International with This Blockbuster

by Hasnat Afridi October 13, 2022, 8:37 AM 1 Comment

When making a reboot of a cult-classic, it is a pre-requisite to possess a mega budget, have exhaustive knowledge of the subject matter, possess nerves of steel to handle the gigantic cast/crew and last but not the least, the vision and fortitude to bring a fantasy to life on celluloid in today’s times. You can face instant rejection from the paying public or face trolling on social media. The makers have to walk a tight rope. Everyone is curious to watch, examine, evaluate and scrutinize “The Legend of Maula Jatt”. The stakes are high and so are the expectations.

After watching the film, one can surely say that “The Legend of Maula Jatt” is a spectacular looking film that matches international standards. And it is not merely a stunning looking film, it is well structured too: The love story, the simmering tension, the conflict that ensues, the dramatic altercations, the battle sequences and the nail-biting finale… “The Legend of Maula Jatt” brings the fictional story vividly to life.

When you think of Bilal Lashari, the first thing that crosses your mind are the exquisite frames and gorgeous visuals [recall Jal Band’s “SAJNI”, Atif Aslam’s “HUNGAMI HALAT” or his last blockbuster “WAAR”]. Now we can also say that the young filmmaker has mastered the art of striking the right balance between form and content. “The Legend of Maula Jatt” will not only be talked about the compelling visuals, but taut screenwriting and right pacing as well.

The screenplay is focused; it piqued my interest and kept me involved in the narrative, while the characters are well-etched and powerfully portrayed. In fact, the watertight screenplay, which encompasses drama, action and romance, are beautifully juxtaposed in the narrative. In short, everything blends beautifully like a symphony. The “iconic” dialogues by Nasir Adeeb are clap worthy.

Besides captivating screenwriting, “The Legend of Maula Jatt” is bolstered by strong performances. Fawad Khan is stupendous and clearly in top form. He holds you attentive right from the first frame till the penultimate moments. The effortlessness with which he gets into the skin of the character is noteworthy.

This is Hamza’s second movie with Bilal. Although the actor has delivered sparkling performance in WAAR. you’ve got to watch him as the treacherous, vicious, vindictive and villainous Noori Nath in the film. Actually, Hamza Ali Abbasi doesn’t just play Noori Nath; he inhabits him. It’s an astounding, gutsy performance that will be talked-about and discussed for sure.

Mahira is enchanting as Mukkho and displays the strength as an actor in several pertinent episodes. I’d also like to add that the Fawad-Mahira chemistry appears natural and striking. Humaima’s portrayal of Daroo deserves brownie points. She interprets the character with brilliance as the camera captures every emotion that flickers across her face, proving yet again that she’s amongst the finest actors we have today. Gohar Rasheed is tremendous and his act gives depth and feeling to the character.

“The Legend of Maula Jatt” has a noteworthy supporting cast. Nayyer Ejaz is creepily effective and owns every sequence he’s in. Faris Shafi is fantastic. Shafqat Cheema is first-rate. Raheela Agha, the Lollywood veteran, has delivered an unforgettable performance. Ali Azmat is excellent. Two Lollywood “superstars” have a special guest appearance in the film (their presence has been kept away from the promotions). They add value to the film by their noteworthy performances.

Most movies turn VFX into a gimmicky tool, but Bilal is one of those rare storytellers who knows how to utilize the technology to his advantage and how it can enhance the overall theatrical experience. In this film, I can only state that the VFX results were simply stunning. The action is top-notch. The background score compliments the mood of the film.

On the whole, “The Legend of Maula Jatt” is a remarkable motion picture experience that’s backed by proficient direction, spellbinding screenwriting and superlative acting. For Bilal Lashari, it is the best title on an impressive filmography. It deserves to be seen on the big screen, hail “Lollywood”!

Share this:

Written by Hasnat Afridi

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Loading…

© 2018 - 2024 PakistaniCinema.net

Username or Email Address

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Privacy policy.

To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

Add to Collection

Public collection title

Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

• EXPRESS NEWS
• URDU E-PAPER
• ENGLISH E-PAPER
• SINDHI E-PAPER
• CRICKET PAKISTAN
• EXPRESS LIVE
• CAMPUS GURU
• EXPRESS ENTERTAINMENT
• FOOD TRIBUNE

Loved Fawad Khan in ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’? Here are his other 8 projects to watch!

Can’t get enough of the actor after watching Bilal Lashari's masterpiece? Watch these films and dramas next

Easily one of the biggest household names in Pakistan, Fawad Khan has stolen hearts and exceeded expectations through his wide range of roles. From romance to action, the star has proven that he can do it all—and extremely well.

His most recent success, The Legend of Maula Jatt , shattered records, becoming Pakistan’s highest-grossing film and dominating theaters across the globe. Fawad aced his much-awaited return to the Pakistani big screen as he played the titular character, unlike any of his previous roles. He portrayed the morally gray, ruthless warrior with a complexity that left audiences enamored by his performance.

If you’re looking for more after watching The Legend of Maula Jatt , here are some other projects to keep you busy for the next few months:

Khuda Kay Liye

His show-stopping performance in Shoaib Mansoor’s Khuda Kay Liye put him on the map. Though the 2007 film may feature a younger Fawad than what we’re used to, it’s fascinating to see how his acting has evolved from his debut venture to the more recent ones. The film follows Mansoor and Sarmad, two singers whose lives changed after the 9/11 attacks in America and the ordeal that followed them.

Fawad’s real claim to success came four years later, when he starred opposite Mahira Khan in the Pakistani television drama Humsafar . The actor's take on privileged and, at times, ignorant Ashar, who slowly develops into a mature and loving husband, was lauded by many. Although the show has now garnered some criticism for its toxic masculinity and Fawad's Ashar being an absolute red flag, no one can deny the fact that Humsafar will forevermore be known as the show that introduced us to the on-screen chemistry between the actor and Mahira.

Dastaan was the first project of its kind when it was taken up in 2010. Based on the true events of partition in 1947, the drama depicted the events of rioting and chaos in 1947. Fawad plays the role of Hassan, a proud supporter of the All-India Muslim League. The fan favorite spans several years as we see Fawad take Hassan’s character from a starry-eyed university student to a reserved man who has witnessed the countless horrors of partition.

Zindagi Gulzar Hai

From here on, the Pakistani actor's fame continued to skyrocket. His role as arrogant and flirtatious Zaroon in the 2012 drama serial, Zindagi Gulzar Hai , increased his popularity and even won him several awards. The story revolves around Zaroon and Kashaf (essayed by Sanam Saeed) as they navigate marriage, which involves compromise and love. The show was also praised for its strong female protagonist, contributing to its popularity among women.

2013's Behadd chronicled the complex relationship between mother and child. Fawad plays Jamal, a slightly younger love interest in Nadia Jamil’s Masooma. The story follows Masooma, a single working mother who devoted her life to her possessive teenage daughter Maha, portrayed by Sajal Aly.

In 2014, Fawad was at the height of his career, which propelled him into Bollywood. His role as an uptight Rajput prince in the Sonam Kapoor starrer, Khubsoorat , captivated Pakistani and Indian audiences alike, and the chemistry between him and his Indian counterpart was palpable through the screen. The plot, coupled with quick and witty dialogue between the two leads, kept audiences at the edge of their seats. Fans and critics alike were quick to heap praise on the way Fawad was able to hold his own against big names in Bollywood, which earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.

Kapoor & Sons

Arguably, his greatest and most memorable performance in India was in Kapoor & Sons in 2016, a movie that masterfully showcased the dynamics and consequences of a dysfunctional Asian household with family politics. Playing the role of the seemingly “perfect bacha” with some dark secrets, Fawad delivered another strong, critically acclaimed performance alongside co-actors Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra. Although he did not win the award, he was nominated for Best Supporting Male Actor the following year.

When discussing his accomplishments across borders, we can’t overlook Fawad’s debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in an episode of Ms. Marvel , a television series that chronicled the adventures of a teenage Pakistani American female superhero. Through Ms. Marvel , we also received a heartwarming taste of the exceptional chemistry between Fawad and Mehwish Hayat. While the episode that featured his character, Hasan, was largely well-received, fans wanted Fawad to have more screen time.

If you have made it through most of these films and shows and are waiting for new projects, you may not have to wait too long. Netflix’s first Pakistan-themed original will feature Fawad playing a Harvard graduate, leading a star-studded cast. Titled Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo , the series is based on Farhat Ishtiaq’s bestselling 2013 Urdu novel by the same name. He will also reunite with Mahira Khan in the upcoming film, Neelofar .

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments below.

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ

'The Godfather' director Francis Ford Coppola to headline Cannes with long-awaited ‘Megalopolis’

European film fest returns to Pakistan

Woes, wits and veils: ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is a light-humoured parable of patriarchy for all women lost

Hamza Ali Abbasi champions women's empowerment in the workplace

Fans upset as Karan Johar fails to mention Fawad Khan in 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' tribute

Aagha Ali says several industry peers still haven't 'accepted' him

Skincare 101

The Home Edit

MMA Icon Khabib’s accounts frozen due to $3 million tax debt

Only Nawaz can remedy political instability: Fawad

Cop dies in AJK clashes over high power tariff

Non-filers feel FBR heat

Alternative world order: better for Pakistan?

Newly promoted three-star generals assigned postings

Power of listening

The rise and fall of Medici Bank

Climate change: impact on agriculture

Throwing the baby out with the bath water

Chip technology: the emerging battlefront?

• Life & Style
• Prayer Timing Pakistan
• Ramazan Calendar Pakistan
• Weather Forecast Pakistan
• Online Advertising
• Subscribe to the Paper
• Style Guide
• Privacy Policy
• Code of ethics

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed or derived from. Unless otherwise stated, all content is copyrighted © 2024 The Express Tribune.

Loved Fawad Khan in 'The Legend of Maula Jatt'? Here are his other 8 projects to watch!

E asily one of the biggest household names in Pakistan, Fawad Khan has stolen hearts and exceeded expectations through his wide range of roles. From romance to action, the star has proven that he can do it all-and extremely well.

His most recent success, The Legend of Maula Jatt, shattered records, becoming Pakistan's highest-grossing film and dominating theaters across the globe. Fawad aced his much-awaited return to the Pakistani big screen as he played the titular character, unlike any of his previous roles. He portrayed the morally gray, ruthless warrior with a complexity that left audiences enamored by his performance.

If you're looking for more after watching The Legend of Maula Jatt, here are some other projects to keep you busy for the next few months:

Khuda Kay Liye

His show-stopping performance in Shoaib Mansoor's Khuda Kay Liye put him on the map. Though the 2007 film may feature a younger Fawad than what we're used to, it's fascinating to see how his acting has evolved from his debut venture to the more recent ones. The film follows Mansoor and Sarmad, two singers whose lives changed after the 9/11 attacks in America and the ordeal that followed them.

Fawad's real claim to success came four years later, when he starred opposite Mahira Khan in the Pakistani television drama Humsafar. The actor's take on privileged and, at times, ignorant Ashar, who slowly develops into a mature and loving husband, was lauded by many. Although the show has now garnered some criticism for its toxic masculinity and Fawad's Ashar being an absolute red flag, no one can deny the fact that Humsafar will forevermore be known as the show that introduced us to the on-screen chemistry between the actor and Mahira.

Dastaan was the first project of its kind when it was taken up in 2010. Based on the true events of partition in 1947, the drama depicted the events of rioting and chaos in 1947. Fawad plays the role of Hassan, a proud supporter of the All-India Muslim League. The fan favorite spans several years as we see Fawad take Hassan's character from a starry-eyed university student to a reserved man who has witnessed the countless horrors of partition.

Zindagi Gulzar Hai

From here on, the Pakistani actor's fame continued to skyrocket. His role as arrogant and flirtatious Zaroon in the 2012 drama serial, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, increased his popularity and even won him several awards. The story revolves around Zaroon and Kashaf (essayed by Sanam Saeed) as they navigate marriage, which involves compromise and love. The show was also praised for its strong female protagonist, contributing to its popularity among women.

2013's Behadd chronicled the complex relationship between mother and child. Fawad plays Jamal, a slightly younger love interest in Nadia Jamil's Masooma. The story follows Masooma, a single working mother who devoted her life to her possessive teenage daughter Maha, portrayed by Sajal Aly.

In 2014, Fawad was at the height of his career, which propelled him into Bollywood. His role as an uptight Rajput prince in the Sonam Kapoor starrer, Khubsoorat, captivated Pakistani and Indian audiences alike, and the chemistry between him and his Indian counterpart was palpable through the screen. The plot, coupled with quick and witty dialogue between the two leads, kept audiences at the edge of their seats. Fans and critics alike were quick to heap praise on the way Fawad was able to hold his own against big names in Bollywood, which earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.

Kapoor and Sons

Arguably, his greatest and most memorable performance in India was in Kapoor and Sons in 2016, a movie that masterfully showcased the dynamics and consequences of a dysfunctional Asian household with family politics. Playing the role of the seemingly 'perfect bacha' with some dark secrets, Fawad delivered another strong, critically acclaimed performance alongside co-actors Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra. Although he did not win the award, he was nominated for Best Supporting Male Actor the following year.

When discussing his accomplishments across borders, we can't overlook Fawad's debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in an episode of Ms. Marvel, a television series that chronicled the adventures of a teenage Pakistani American female superhero. Through Ms. Marvel, we also received a heartwarming taste of the exceptional chemistry between Fawad and Mehwish Hayat. While the episode that featured his character, Hasan, was largely well-received, fans wanted Fawad to have more screen time.

If you have made it through most of these films and shows and are waiting for new projects, you may not have to wait too long. Netflix's first Pakistan-themed original will feature Fawad playing a Harvard graduate, leading a star-studded cast. Titled Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, the series is based on Farhat Ishtiaq's bestselling 2013 Urdu novel by the same name. He will also reunite with Mahira Khan in the upcoming film, Neelofar.