Pakistani blockbuster draws audience interest after China release

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s highest-grossing film, The Legend of Maula Jatt, has begun screening in Chinese cinemas and has quickly generated audience interest, coinciding with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

The film has been showing in China since May 21. Chinese moviegoers said they had previously had limited exposure to Pakistani cinema, but were struck by the film’s scale and visual style. The movie blends political intrigue, family rivalry, romance and war, while depicting scenes inspired by ancient Pakistani culture.

Chinese media outlet CGTN, citing film industry tracker Maoyan, reported that the film has so far earned 100,000 yuan, or $14,739, at the Chinese box office.

Yang Jian, a senior distribution manager at China Film Group, said he hoped more notable Pakistani films would be released in China and called for broader cooperation between the two countries in film production, technology exchange and talent development.

Directed by Bilal Lashari, The Legend of Maula Jatt is a contemporary reimagining of the 1979 Punjabi cult classic linked to the Gandasa genre. After its original release in October 2022, the film went on to achieve major commercial and critical success, setting box office records in Pakistan and drawing international praise for its scale, action sequences, visual effects and storytelling.

The first China-Pakistan co-produced film, Ba Tie Girl, was released in China in 2024, reflecting expanding cultural links between the two countries.