The Legend of Maula Jatt
Introduction
So the day has finally arrived as the most awaited and probably the most hyped Pakistani film in recent times called “The Legend of Maula Jatt” has finally hit the big screen. But the question is, does the film really live up to its hype or is it just an avoidable flick? Read further to find out.
Overview of the film
The Legend of Maula Jatt is a 2022 Pakistani Punjabi language action drama film directed and written by Bilal Lashari. The film is produced by Ammara Hikmat and Dr. Asad Jamil Khan under the production banner of Encyclomedia. The film is a reboot of the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt. It stars Fawad Khan as the lead character with Mahira Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mahira Khan, and Humaima Malik. The film got a worldwide release on 13 October 2022. Made on a budget of an estimated PKR 45 crores, it is regarded as the most expensive Pakistani film to date.
The film focuses on the legendary rivalry between local hero Maula Jatt, played by Fawad Khan, and Noori Natt, played by Abbasi, the leader of a brutal gang.
Direction and cinematography
Bilal Lashari, who is the director, cinematographer, editor as well as co-writer for this film, has been able to design big-scale action sequences with a finesse never seen before in Pakistani cinema. You may get surprised at the sheer brilliance with which Lashari has honed his craft. Lashari’s gothic and modern take on the classic Punjabi lore of Maula Jatt lifts off at various points. The Waar (2013) director has delivered a rare piece of visual art that we don’t expect from Pakistani filmmakers.
Performances
All the actors have diligently performed their roles and have done full justice to the characters. Mahira Khan, even though having fairly limited screen time, gives a performance that will be remembered by her fans for a long time. She brings a combination of innocence and feistiness that shares a few completely arresting moments with Fawad Khan.
Humaima Malik has given a sparkling performance as Daaro Nattni. Her character is more of a slow burn that may seem slightly monotonous in the start but it melts over time.
It won’t be wrong to say that Hamza Ali Abbasi as Noori Nath has been a stunning revelation. He is loud, barbaric, and brutal and makes the most out of his baritone. It would be very difficult to find any other actor who could look so menacing on-screen without having any mercy for anyone.
In an interview, Fawad Khan rightly said that he had to perform to his absolute best to match the intensity of Hamza as Noori. Not only Khan delivers back to Hamza but he also overpowers him, all thanks to the very well-written dialogues by Naser Adeeb.
Gohar Rasheed, Shafqat Cheema, Saima Baloch, Nayyer Ejaz, Faris Shafi, Babar Ali and Resham have all done well in their supporting roles.
Final verdict
Now the answer to the question “Does the much-awaited film live up to the hype?” Absolutely it does, in fact, the film has surpassed all expectations. The Legend of Maula Jatt is a film that should be viewed in cinemas, it’s a big-screen experience with larger-than-life personas. It is a grand cinematic experience that should be viewed for all its worth.