Pakistani cinema is writing a new chapter. The Legend of Maula Jatt, directed by Bilal Lashari, is set to become the first Pakistani film ever to release across Chinese cinemas, with its screening scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026.
The film originally premiered in Lahore on October 12, 2022, and went on to gross $13.8 million worldwide, breaking multiple box office records and becoming the highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time, as well as the highest-grossing Punjabi-language film ever made.
The film stars Fawad Khan in the title role, alongside Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mahira Khan, and Humaima Malik. It is an adaptation of the beloved 1979 Lollywood classic directed by Yunus Malik.
China is one of the most competitive film markets in the world. The country has a strictly limited quota for foreign films, and only a small number are selected each year after thorough review by Chinese regulatory authorities. Even major Bollywood hits like Dangal and Bahubali were released in China months or years after their original premieres.
The China release comes after years of the film’s international journey. It has already screened in the UK, the US, the UAE, Australia, and briefly in India’s Punjab. The film focused on a legendary rivalry between local hero Maula Jatt and Noori Natt, the violent leader of a feared gang, set against the rugged landscape of Punjab.
This release holds particular significance as the film has obtained a revenue-sharing theatrical release. This system is typically designated for major Hollywood films. This implies that the producers of Maula Jatt will receive a direct percentage of ticket sales in China, as opposed to the usual flat-fee arrangements provided for most foreign films. In order to facilitate local audiences’ enjoyment of the film, a version dubbed in Chinese will also be released.
For Pakistan’s film industry, this milestone signals growing global recognition. With strong action sequences, powerful performances, and high production values, The Legend of Maula Jatt has proven that Pakistani cinema can compete on the world stage.
