The Legend of Maula Jatt Movie Review

The film unfolds with Jeeva Natt and his clan launching a devastating assault on Sardar Jatt’s Haveli, resulting in the tragic demise of Jatt and his wife. Maula, their son and lone survivor, is taken under the wing of a woman named Daani. Raised in anonymity, Maula’s path intersects with wrestling when Daani’s son, Mooda, introduces him to a coach who recognizes his potential and agrees to train him.

As Maula rises to fame in the wrestling arena, haunting memories of his past torment him at night, shrouding his true origins in mystery. Meanwhile, Maakha Natt, son of Jeeva Natt, terrorizes Maula’s village by committing heinous acts, prompting internal strife within the Natt clan over leadership succession.

Before a pivotal fight, Maula encounters an enigmatic old man who claims to hold answers to his past. Intoxicated and vulnerable, Maula suffers his first defeat but is rescued by Mooda at great cost. Guided by the old man’s revelations at Sardar Jatt’s ruined Haveli, Maula learns of his lineage and inherits his father’s weapon, the ‘Gandasa.’

Returning to his village, Maula confronts the Natt clan’s reign of terror, igniting a cycle of vengeance and redemption. Amidst escalating tensions, Noori Natt, a formidable adversary, seeks worthy competition upon his release from prison, setting the stage for a climactic showdown with Maula.

As the conflict intensifies, alliances fracture, and betrayals unfold, culminating in tragic losses and profound sacrifices. Ultimately, Maula’s quest for justice propels him into a final confrontation with Noori, where the fate of the village hangs in the balance.

In a gripping finale, the hero emerges victorious, vanquishing his nemesis and reclaiming peace for his people, cementing his legacy as the savior of the village.

Main Casts

Production

In an interview with The Express Tribune on December 14, 2013, Bilal Lashari disclosed his directorial involvement in “Maula Jatt,” emphasizing his intention to rejuvenate the gandasa film genre, often held responsible for the decline of Lollywood. Lashari expressed his belief in the genre’s untapped potential, aiming to honor the iconic “Maula Jatt” while revitalizing Pakistani cinema.

To prepare for his role, Hamza Ali Abbasi embarked on a rigorous training regimen, focusing on muscle development, symmetry, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. The producers clarified that the film isn’t a mere remake or sequel but rather a contemporary adaptation of the original “Maula Jatt.”

On April 4, 2014, Lashari revealed the completion of the film’s script, emphasizing a dedicated effort to refine the storyline following the reception of his previous work, “Waar.” Intent on addressing criticisms of its script, Lashari underscored his commitment to crafting a compelling narrative for “Maula Jatt.” Subsequently, on May 27, 2014, the cast was finalized, marking the commencement of filming. It was announced that the film would be presented in three languages: English, Urdu, and Punjabi.

Box Office

As of December 13, 2022, “The Legend of Maula Jatt,” produced with an approximate budget of PKR 45 crores, has achieved remarkable box office success. Grossing Rs. 115.02 crore (US$4.0 million) in Pakistan and Rs. 160.8 crore (US$5.6 million) in other territories, the film’s worldwide earnings stand at Rs. 274.7 crore (US$9.5 million). This feat shattered numerous box office records, including becoming the highest-grossing Pakistani film to date, surpassing the entire theatrical run of “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2” (2018).

It also claims the title of the biggest grossing film ever in Pakistan and the highest-grossing Punjabi-language film of all time. Moreover, it held the distinction of being the top South Asian film in the UK from 2018 to 2022. Within an unprecedented timeframe, “The Legend of Maula Jatt” became the first Pakistani film to cross the 100 crore, 150 crore, and 200 crore milestones worldwide, achieving these feats within a month of its release, and later reaching the 250 crore mark.

The film’s global debut amounted to Rs. 51.00 crore (US$2.3 million), marking the biggest opening for a Pakistani film in history, nearly doubling the previous record set by “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2” with an opening of 25.02 crore. Notably, it also holds the record for being the fastest Pakistani film to reach the 20 crore, 30 crore, 40 crore, and 50 crore milestones, achieving these milestones within just three to four days over its opening weekend.