The game changer for Pakistani cinema

When it was announced that Bilal Lashari would be rebooting Maula Jatt, a 1979 Pakistani Punjabi language action and musical film, as a tribute to Pakistani cinema, fans of the original film could not wait to see how he would reinterpret the classic—and now they have an official teaser trailer to take in. Released early this week, the short clip of The Legend of Maula Jatt delivers some of the movie’s most iconic moments. Starring Mahira Khan, Humaima Malick, Fawad Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi in the lead roles, the cast also includes Gohar Rasheed, Faris Shafi, Shafqat Cheema, Nayyer Ejaz and Saima Baloch, among others. The two-minute clip kicks off with the folklore of Maula Jatt and introduces the protagonist Fawad Khan as the Maula Jatt. It’s a sharp tangent from Fawad’s previous roles and seeing him in the teaser one understands why he couldn’t do much screen presence when he was shooting for Maula. All that added weight and muscle gain is evident. Although there’s literally no dialogue in the trailer, but I can easily recall when at a recent event Fawad said, “Maulay nu Maula na marray tay maula ni marda (Maula can only be exterminated on God’s command)” and that was enough to make us discern that nobody could’ve played Maula Jatt and done justice to Sultan Rahi, the Pakistani actor who played Maula Jatt in the original film, in today’s time but Fawad.Hamza Ali Abbasi is the cunning Noori Nath, Jatt’s arch nemeses and as the narrator explains, he and Maula will indulge in the biggest rivalry ever seen in Pakistani cinema. Mahira Khan also makes an appearance. Sporting long hair with multiple braids, proving how effortlessly with minimalism taking the centre stage she can own the screen. She plays Maula’s love interest in the film, Mukkho Jatti. Although we don’t get to see her speaking Punjabi in the trailer, but her eyes have all the expressions you need. The trailer has no dialogue except for one chilling holler, ‘Maula!’. The trailer follows the narration of Kamran Lashari who introduces us to the characters of the epic saga.The most charismatic actors of Pakistan entertainment industry, Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, will fall in love and save the day again in The Legend of Maula Jatt, after being paired together in drama serial Humsafar (2011), on premier entertainment channel HUM TV. Although their good looks and nuanced understanding of the acting paved their way in the industry, but it was Humsafar that burst them into the limelight, not just in Pakistan but across the border as well. Ever since, both the actors have only strengthened their position, churning out one commendable performance after another. But, this reunion seems like the moment fans have been waiting for. “This will be less of a girl-boy sort of love and more of a man-woman chemistry,” Mahira said in a statement. “I’m scared because I know there is a big chunk of people waiting for the film to see that it’s Fawad and Mahira but it’s not. I hope I’m also good in it, just the way Hamza and Humaima are, but Maula Jatt is about Maula Jatt and it’s Fawad’s,” she added.Although the cinematography and production design speak volumes about the perfectionist Bilal Lashari and no wonder it took him so much time to give us a sneak peek into the star-studded film, but the trailer only features crepuscular shots that reminds us awfully too much about Games of Thrones, Troy or any Bhansali production. People have taken over twitter saying that film seems like a cross between Padmavaat and Games of Thrones with the concept of Maula Jatt dystopia. Well it seems like it only because Brian Adler, also responsible for the visual effects in The Hunger Games, have worked on The Legend of Maula Jatt as the Visual Producer. It’s not just Pakistani audience and notable media personalities that are in awe of the recently released trailer, but some Bollywood biggies also took over twitter to appreciate the work. “Fawad this looks amazing! Congratulations and I’m sure it will be a massive success!” tweeted Karan Johar, Bollywood director.“What a beautiful teaser and cast. Always an ardent admirer of Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan and now with Humaima Malick and Hamza Ali Abbasi, it’s a double whammy! Can’t wait to watch this one,” said Sidharth Malhotra. Alia Bhatt who played the leading role with Fawad and Sidarth Malhotra in Kapoor & Sons also praised the film’s trailer. “What a brilliant brilliant trailer,” said Alia. From sound effects to the stunts to the wardrobe, this film can be a game changer for Pakistani cinema. The film premieres on Eid ul Fitr 2019.