Pakistani hit sparks movie buzz in China

To coincide with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's China visit as the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Pakistan's highest-grossing film 'The Legend of Maula Jatt' has been showing in Chinese cinemas since May 21 and has quickly attracted strong audience interest.

Many Chinese moviegoers said they had previously known little about Pakistani cinema but were impressed by the film's large-scale production and distinctive artistic style. Combining political intrigue, family conflict, romance and war, the film presents vivid scenes inspired by ancient Pakistani culture.

'The Legend of Maula Jatt' has to date earned 100,000 yuan ($14,739) at the Chinese box office, according to film industry tracker Maoyan, according to Chinese media outlet CGTN.

Senior China Film Group distribution manager Yang Jian said he hoped more outstanding Pakistani films would enter the Chinese market and called for deeper cooperation between China and Pakistan in areas including film production, technological exchanges and talent development.

In 2024, the first China-Pakistan co-produced film, 'Ba Tie Girl', was released in China, highlighting the growing cultural ties between the two nations.

Directed by Bilal Lashari, 'The Legend of Maula Jatt' is a modern reboot of the iconic 1979 Punjabi cult classic associated with the "Gandasa" genre.

Originally released in October 2022, the movie emerged as a major commercial and critical success, breaking box office records in Pakistan while receiving international acclaim for its cinematic scale, action choreography, visual effects and storytelling..