Sultan Rahi's Son Disapproves of 'The Legend of Maula Jutt,' Plans to Make His Own Version of the Original Film

The 1979 iconic Pakistani film Maula Jatt is a cultural phenomenon in its own right.

If India had Sholay, Pakistan had Maula Jatt—an epic action-packed tale that captured hearts across the globe. Written by Nasir Adeeb and produced by Muhammad Sarwar Bhatti, Maula Jatt introduced audiences to Sultan Rahi, who portrayed the titular character with unmatched intensity. 

Often referred to as the "Clint Eastwood of Pakistan," Sultan Rahi's legacy in the Pakistani film industry remains unparalleled. His portrayal of Maula Jatt became iconic, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the region. The film, which broke box-office records, defined a genre and set a high standard for Pakistani cinema that has continued to inspire filmmakers to this day.

In recent years, The Legend of Maula Jatt, a star-studded remake of the original, was introduced to new audiences.

Directed by Bilal Lashari and written again by Nasir Adeeb, the remake generated widespread buzz. Its Hollywood-style cinematography and action sequences were designed to modernize the tale while keeping the essence of the original intact.

The film’s success was undeniable, making it the highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time, grossing nearly $10 million worldwide. It broke records and set a new benchmark for Pakistani cinema, appealing to a global audience with its high production values and a star-studded cast, including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Humaima Malick, and Hamza Ali Abbasi.

However, not everyone was on board with the remake. Sultan Rahi's son, Haider Sultan, voiced his criticism of The Legend of Maula Jatt in a recent interview.

In a podcast hosted by Ukasha Gul, Haider expressed his dissatisfaction with how the remake was handled, despite acknowledging the film's production quality.

He said, “The remake didn’t do justice to the original movie, although it was a good production. They filmed it in a Hollywood style, which was a plus point as it boosted their business. I think the character didn’t suit Fawad Khan. It was a role meant for a strong person, a man of honor and integrity, but Fawad didn’t stand out in the film. Mahira Khan’s character could have been given to an authentic Punjabi Jatti. Humaima Malick and Hamza Ali Abbasi were brilliant; they performed better than the main leads. The film lost its authenticity due to its attempt to copy Hollywood.”

Haider also added that he believed the film’s success was largely driven by its high production values and Hollywood-inspired style, which was appealing to modern filmmaking trends.

Additionally, he credited much of the film’s success to the star power of Fawad Khan, who enjoys immense popularity not just in Pakistan, but also in India. Similarly, Mahira Khan’s widespread recognition also contributed to the film’s widespread appeal. Sultan also acknowledged that the nostalgia factor surrounding Maula Jatt itself played a crucial role in the film’s massive success.

In response to the remake's shortcomings, Haider Sultan announced that he was in the process of creating his own version of the legendary film.

Titled Son of Maula Jatt, the new film will be written by Nasir Adeeb, the same legendary writer behind the original. Haider also revealed that he himself would be playing the titular role, stepping into his father’s legendary shoes.

Do you agree with Haider Sultan’s take on The Legend of Maula Jatt or do you think it successfully modernized the classic?