The Legend of Maula Jatt wows with Sublime Trailer

Did you ever imagine what Pakistan cinema can produce? Well, the trailer to the forthcoming film The Legend of Maula Jatt has come out with a bang.

The film, which has a top-notch star cast releases for Eid on June 4, 2019.

The film stars the heartthrob of Pakistan cinema Fawad Khan (Maula Jatt) and the stunning Mahira Khan (Mukkho Jatti), known for playing the lead roles in the popular drama series Hamsafar (2014).

The other two main actors in the film include the good-looking Hamza Ali Abbasi and the gorgeous Humaima Malik. Bilal Lashari of Waar (2013) fame is the director of the film.

The original Maula Jatt starring late Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi came out in 1979.

Prior to the release of the trailer, the film was even being termed as Maula Jatt 2, with some people speculating that it is a sequel.

However, Lashari did confirm during December 2018 that the story is slightly different.

But with the original writer Nasir Adeeb coming on board, some dialogues from the old cult classic may feature in The Legend of Maula Jatt.

With the two unforgettable characters of Pakistan cinema, Maula Jatt and Noori Natt being recreated, let’s examine the trailer and the film in more detail:

Trailer Overview

At the beginning of the trailer, the filmmakers do not show a person in full. But we can see visuals of a hand, feet and a captured person walking in a Peshawari chappal all chained up.

The trailer also highlights the essence of Pakistani culture at the start, showing the fields and the ‘gandasa’ (iconic weaponry bladed stick).

Then gradually we finally get to see Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, along with the other actors. There is a wow factor as they all visibly appear in the trailer.

The trailer shows the strong rivalry of Maula Jatt (Fawad Khan and Noori Natt (Hamza Ali Abbasi). We will have to wait and see who wins.

Without taking anything away from the cast, the presence of Shaan also in the film would have been icing on the cake, But no doubt the filmmakers must have good reasoning for their selection.

The Legend of Maula Jatt seems to be a dark film as the trailer gives such vibes. From the trailer, one can observe that the film is presenting a new touch to perhaps a classic era.

But it also seems the film may be a reflection from the Roman empire or gladiator.

If it is a fiction story, there is no harm in taking inspiration from the likes of Spartacus.

Going by the weapons and clothes, the film represents an earlier century. The set design and costumes also take people to a different era.

The trailer does not give a lot away in terms of the story. But there will be some element or angle of love in the film.

The modern background music sums up the enormity of this film. In line with Punjabi tradition, the big question is will the film have some folk songs?

There is a lot of action in the trailer too, which seems perfectly choreographed.

The cinematography and artwork of the film are quite phenomenal and impressive.

The film is shot and portrayed in a unique way. Shots of the battle, the landscapes and particles of blood are an eye-opener.

The graphics shown are also kept to reality.

Cast and Director

The entry and charm of Fawad Khan as Maula Jatt will blow many away – It is truly dhamakedaar.

Fawad normally has a very elegant, stylish and suave look, both in casual and semi-formal clothing.

Many probably did not imagine Fawad with long hair. It is refreshing to see him in very intense look in the film.

Fawad who has put on slight weight and shaped out for this role looks awesome. He is making a comeback in Pakistan cinema after starring in Shoaib Mansoor’s Khuda Ke Liye (2007).

Fawad is among a few contemporary actors appreciated and respected in India.

For some, it will be surprising to see the soft-spoken Fawad with such ‘dahshat’ (shock factor). It may take a little while for some to absorb this fact.

There are glimpses of Fawad playing the hero of the village. Even though the film is not out, he already seems to look like ‘Puttar Jatt Da’ and ‘Maula Jatt.’

Mahira who fits into the role of Mukkho Jatti appears really beautiful and simple. She can carry the desi look very well as we saw in the film Raees (2015) opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

The talented Hamza Ali Abbasi as Noori Natt appears to be the main antagonist. He steals the show with his cheeky smile and aggressive look.

Hamza is a famous celebrity of Pakistan, known for his role in Main Hoon Shahid Afridi (2013).

Humaima who made her film debut alongside Mahira Khan in Bol (2011) also looks very attractive in the trailer as Daaro Nattni.

There are few shots of Humaima and Mahira in the trailer. Though the trailer shows glimpses of romance, leaving viewers wanting more.

The trailer also features two big names of Pakistan cinema, Shafqat Cheema and Nayyar Ejaz.

Pakistani film actor Gohar Rasheed who joined the cast early in 2018 has a side role as Maakha Natt.

With Bilal Lashari directing, the film trailer looks really good.

Lashari who briefly worked with Shoaib Mansoor on the pre-production of Khuda Ke Liye made his directorial debut with the successful film Waar.

Bila has paired superstars to ensure the film reaches peak heights.

Dialogues, Narration and Text

Those who have seen the first Maula Jatt will remember famous dialogues such as ‘Nawa Aya Hai Sohniya’ and ‘Oye Jatta.’

In the trailer, we get to hear just the one chillingly loud dialogue, ‘Maula.’

The fantastic narration of Kamran Lashari introduces us to the Legend of Maula Jatt and the other actors.

The gripping narration also starts to build the image of Fawad Khan as Maula Jatt.

Going by the voice over and the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt, the film will have powerful dialogues too.

We can expect the actors to deliver the Punjabi dialogues in a traditional manner, raising their voice along the way.

Looking at the trailer, the dialogues perhaps will reflect a time or period from the past.

When the film releases, it will be great to hear iconic Punjabi dialogues for the first time after a long time – be it serious or light-hearted.

In a combination of large gold text, the trailer suggests that the “biggest rivalry” of Maula Jatt and Noori Natt will come head to head across “Pakistani Cinema’s.”

The gold text is consistent throughout the trailer, with the title pointing to the rich look of the film.

Audiences are reminded that the Legend of Maula Jatt is “a film by Bilal Lashari, the director of Waar.”

However, towards the end, credits of the cast and crew are visible in small white text.

Prequel, Sequel, Remake or New Story?

With the trailer out, some people may still be wondering if The Legend of Maula Jatt is a prequel, sequel, remake or new story.

When Sarwar Bhatti, the producer of the original Maula Jatt came to know about the film, he accused Bilal Lashari and his team of copyright.

According to the Constitution of Pakistan, any character from a film is considered as the original work of the writer.

Hence upon mutual agreement, Nasir Adeeb, the humble writer of the 1979 film sold the rights to director Bilal Lashari and producer Ammara Hikmat.

As the first Maula Jatt did well at the box office and broke many records, it only made sense for Lashari to seek permission and collaborate with Adeeb.

Afterall Maula Jatt did change the dynamics of Pakistan cinema.

In 2017, Nasir told the media about how he felt being part of this new film:

“I think I’m starting from zero, I feel it’s my first film and maybe that’s why I look up to Bilal and his vision.

“In a way, it’s my entry to new-age cinema and this is my chance to prove myself.

“When you first visit the Taj Mahal, you look at it as a building, but it’s once you’ve seen it that you realise what it symbolises and how it was Shah Jehan’s token of love for his most beloved wife.

“Maybe after watching Maula Jatt, people would want to know what I hold.”

On December 7, 2018, Bilal put up a poster on Facebook with the official title of the film. Dismissing that it is a prequel, sequel or remake, he said:

“This film is not a remake or a sequel. It is a new story and a reinvention of the Punjabi gandasa cult genre.”

With the release of the trailer, it clears up all the rumours about the film.

Although as heard in the trailer it is interesting that the filmmakers are using the same names for the central characters, Maula Jatt and Noori Natt.

Perhaps the director, writer and cast will explain why this is the case in the coming months.

Reactions to Trailer

There has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the trailer. Mahira khan shared a trailer on Twitter, captioning it:

“Teray Sadqay Jaawan Meray Maulaa.”

Reactions came from India too, with Indian film director Anurag Kashyap tweeting:

“Maula Jatt is back and this time its @_fawadakhan_ https://youtu.be/sBWdUf7wfaE  #TheLegendofMaulaJatt #MaulaJatt.”

With Kashyap acknowledging Fawad, one can imagine the level and hype of this film.

Also, filmmaker Karan Johar who worked with Fawad Khan in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) tweeted:

“Fawad this looks amazing!!!! Congratulations and am sure it will be a massive success!!!”

Fawad himself went on Twiter to share the trailer, along with the famous dialogue:

“Maulay nu maula na maray te maula nae marda!”

Trade Analyst Ali zain shared his thoughts about the trailer saying:

“Well, this is the most awaited trailer of Pakistani cinema history. The legend of Maula Jatt is here and it is epic. It gives goosebumps.”

Besides the positive reactions, there are others who feel that the film may not give a true representation of the Punjabi culture.

Eminent drama writer, lyricist and screenwriter Ali Moeen posted on his Facebook writing:

“Mola Jutt looked like a cultural outcast.”

He went to say it is “Mola Gladiator Jatt,” in response to a comment on his post.

Final Thoughts

The first poster to the film was released in 2015, with the trailer coming out in 2018. This does allude to the fact that the film has taken a little while in the making.

It is as if the producers and directors have put 100 % into the film.

As evident in the trailer, this will be the most expensive film ever made in the history of Pakistani cinema.

This is the first movie from the subcontinent which will also have a simultaneous release in China.

One YouTube user commenting on spreading Pakistan cinema globally says:

“We should share our products, our cinema, our movies, our songs to the show the world we are the best.”

No doubt the boldness of this big scale film should capture the international market, not just China, but Russia and Australia too.

The Legend of Maula Jatt has the potential to become a trend-setter and become the new beauty of Pakistan cinema.

The producers of the film may well release further trailers and songs of the film. If this happens, it will create a further buzz and excitement amongst fans.

With the trailer coming out well before the release, many will feel Eid has come early.

Though to some, it may feel a long wait until the actual release of the film. But it is only around the corner really.

Watch the Official Trailer for The Legend of Maula Jatt:

After a long time, this is the first Punjabi film that will give many films a run for their money. Some are expecting this film to do PKR 600 crores (34 million) business.

If the film Bharat (2019) starring Salman Khan also has an Eid release in Pakistan, then it will interesting to see how the two films do and what kind of exposure they get.

This is because Salman has a huge fan in Pakistan and Fawad is also very popular at home.

Also, 2018 has not been a great year for the Khan’s of Bollywood. Time will tell how Fawad Khan does in 2019.

Overall the standard of the trailer is on par with Western and Bollywood cinema and has won the hearts of many.

There are high expectations that The Legend of Maula Jatt will release with a thunderous impact.