'TLOMJ' release in India would be a great way to handshake: Fawad Khan
Bilal Lashari’s The Legend of Maula Jatt (TLOMJ) has officially crossed 100 crores at the domestic box office and $10 million worldwide, according to the filmmaker’s latest Twitter announcement.
“Perfect timing” declared Lashari on the micro-blogging app after the clock struck 12:00. “As TLOMJ crosses 100 crores tonight at the box office in Pakistan and $10 million worldwide. Once again, a big thank you to team MJ and fans of #TLOMJ across the world who made this film a roaring success. Wishing you all a very happy new year!” he added.
While several ringed in the new year with dinners and galas, taking to the sky and what not, TLOMJ star Fawad Khan tuned in to CNN to speak about what’s been possibly the biggest year for Pakistani cinema, due mainly to the Lashari directorial he was a part of.
The actor also spoke about being a part of the MCU with Ms. Marvel and consequently, a part of history being told. When asked about his new year plans, Fawad told the host, “I just plan to ring it in with a small gathering of friends.” The presenter then acknowledged, “Your film The Legend of Maula Jatt is doing big business both domestically and internationally. Do you consider 2022 a very big year for you?”
To this, Fawad replied, “It’s been big for me but I’m a small part of the entire setup. It’s essentially been a big year for the Pakistani cinema as a whole. The kind of business this film has done, the kind of boundaries it has pushed, as far as the industry standards and business and even the style of filmmaking is concerned, it’s going to have a profound effect on the years to come. It’s been very long since the second coming of the industry and for it to actually travel so far and wide across the globe.”
Noting that reports of TLOMJ releasing in India have also been travelling far and wide, the host inquired what that would mean for him and the country. “That would be great, if it were to happen, it’s a great way to handshake,” said Fawad. “I think it’s kind of like those sweets and delights we send across to one another on Eids and Diwalis. Film and music is that kind of an exchange. But things are a bit heated still, let’s see. I’ve heard it may release and it may not,” he added.
About making his MCU debut, and replaying the partition onscreen, Fawad reflected, “On a personal level, it’s always good to be reminded of your history and where you’re coming from. If it serves the purpose of keeping you grounded and also keeping you focused on carrying on certain traditions, because that is your identity and you can’t run away from it.”
He then maintained that there’s also great pride to be taken in the culture of the subcontinent. “And the partition was one of the major events that in 20th century has not been viewed by the global audience. The migration process was very painful, being a part of history being told, being a part of that process is always grounding and moving.”
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