The highly anticipated release of the Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt has been postponed in India due to a court petition, confirmed its distributor on Wednesday.

Starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, the film was set to premiere today in the Indian state of Punjab but encountered resistance from a far-right Hindu party.

In a statement to Indian media, distributor Nadeem Mandviwala revealed that a petition had been filed in an Indian court, preventing the film’s release.

“Unfortunately, the release has been delayed again due to legal proceedings, and we cannot proceed until the court makes a decision,” Mandviwala said.

Originally slated to be a significant event for the Pakistani film industry in India, The Legend of Maula Jatt has faced multiple delays.

Mandviwala remained hopeful, stating, “Whenever the release is possible, it will be a major success for Pakistani cinema.”

This halt comes in the wake of the 2016 ban on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood, which was instituted following the Uri attack. Both Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan had previously found success in Bollywood, with Fawad starring in Khoobsurat (2014) and Mahira in Raees (2017).

Released in Pakistan in October 2022, The Legend of Maula Jatt is a remake of the 1979 classic. The film centers on the rivalry between the local hero Maula Jatt and his arch-nemesis Noori Natt.

Despite the setbacks, there is still hope that the film may eventually be screened in Indian cinemas, rekindling cross-border entertainment.