Nueplex issues statement for not screening 'The Legend of Maula Jatt'

Bilal Lashari's magnum opus has opened to packed but limited cinemas across Pakistan

The Legend of Maula Jatt has opened to packed but limited cinemas across Pakistan. The film, which has managed to garner an attractive number of cinemagoers to theatres, has been well received by the audience. However, the film is only being screened at particular theatres; namely Atrium and Cue cinemas in Karachi and Lahore respectively.

Patrons have been inquiring as to why the much-awaited film hasn't been released in the metropolis' busiest cinema, Nueplex. Now, the owners of the latter have set the record straight.

"As a cornerstone of our film exhibition policy, Nueplex Cinemas has always been at the forefront when it comes to screening Pakistani films," the statement, shared on Nueplex's Twitter handle, read. "Over the years, a number of box office records have also been set due to the business we have generated for local films."

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— NueplexCinemas (@NueplexCinemas) October 17, 2022

The statement further read, "We feel that it is highly unfortunate that the distributor of the title, The Legend of Maula Jatt asking for exhibition terms which are out of industry norms. Such rigid terms cannot be afforded by exhibitors, especially during times of economic instability."

Adding on, Nueplex shared, "We were hoping for a fairer approach in the future, as we are always here to welcome and screen any Pakistani film with open arms." Ticket prices for The Legend of Maula Jatt reportedly increased for the initial 11 days. They will drop down to regular prices afterward, as per reports.

A reboot of Yunus Malik’s 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt, the film is a re-telling of the story of the rivalry between Maula Jatt and Noori Natt. Directed by Lashari, The Legend of Maula Jatt stars Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mahira Khan, Humaima Malick, Mirza Gohar Rasheed, Faris Shafi, Ali Azmat, Nayyer Ejaz, Shafqat Cheema, Raheela Agha, Zia Khan and Saima Baloch.

The Express Tribune has reached out to the makers and distributors of The Legend of Maula Jatt and is currently awaiting a comment.

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