Maula Jatt from Walmart: Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' likened to Fawad Khan's 'TLOMJ'

Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor has once again grabbed the headlines for his upcoming film, Animal, which released its first teaser on June 11. The teaser has left fans intrigued due to its striking similarities to the acclaimed Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt (TLOMJ).

The teaser hints at a unique blend of genres, with Ranbir's transformation resembling that of Fawad’s in Maula Jatt. From the signature dhoti/laacha attire to the long hair and the visible scars, Ranbir seems to have replicated the entire aesthetic of Maula with precision. He even wields an axe while on a killing spree. Even the poster for Animal is eerily similar to The Legend of Maula Jatt’s poster featuring Fawad and Hamza Ali Abbasi.

The teaser offers glimpses of another intriguing influence: Squid Game. The immensely popular South Korean series took the world by storm with its thrilling storyline cantered around life-or-death games. The fusion of The Legend of Maula Jatt and Squid Game elements in Animal suggests a unique cinematic experience that merges the intensity of action-packed drama with a touch of high-stakes suspense.

Pakistanis on Twitter, albeit, are either in fits or offended by the purported imitations.

“Just saw the teaser of Ranbir Kapoor's Animal. Why does it seem like Maula Jatt?” a tweep asked. “Animal looks like the Walmart version of Maula Jatt,” quipped another with a crying emoji. “Animal teaser is a copy of Pakistani movie the legend of Maula Jatt teaser,” asserted one more. “Ranbir Kapoor’s movie looks like a version of Pakistan’s The Legend of Maula Jatt,” rang in the echo chamber.

“Is it a reach to say Ranbir’s look in Animal’s teaser looks exactly like Fawad’s in Maula Jatt, especially the gandasa?” inquired a user. And when an Indian user laughed off the comparisons suggesting, “I think the director would not even know about legend of Maula Jatt,” a Pakistani user reminded them, “Oh really? Ranbir himself praised Maula Jatt. Furthermore, TLOMJ Is the highest grossing Punjabi film internationally and when we talk about UK, it has collected more than any Ranbir Kapoor film.”

A tweep held, “Ranbir is doing his best Maula jatt impression. Was Shamshera not enough?”

The Legend of Maula Jatt, directed by Bilal Lashari, took the Pakistani film industry by storm upon its release in 2019. The film showcased a fusion of action, drama, and romance, with Fawad delivering a powerful performance as the titular character. The movie garnered immense praise for its visual spectacle, gripping storyline, and extraordinary action sequences. The Legend of Maula Jatt not only captivated audiences in Pakistan but also gained international recognition for its unique storytelling.

Known for his versatility as an actor, Ranbir, on the other hand, has consistently pushed boundaries with his choice of roles. From playing a troubled musician in Rockstar to a charming rogue in Tamasha, he has proven his mettle time and again. His portrayal of a cold-blooded assassin in Animal appears to be another bold move that showcases his dedication to delivering impactful performances. Ranbir is poised to add his own touch of intensity and charisma to the role.

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