Bilal Lashari’s The Legend of Maula Jatt is arguably the best and most successful movie in Pakistani cinema’s history, but not everyone is impressed, specifically the OG Maula Jatt’s son.
Haider Sultan, the son of the late Sultan Rahi, recently shared his thoughts on the remake, and let’s just say, he didn’t hold back.
In a candid conversation on Samaa TV’s podcast hosted by Ukasha Gul, Haider Sultan expressed his disappointment with The Legend of Maula Jatt. While he acknowledged the film’s production quality and its success at the box office, he felt it failed to capture the essence of the original.
“The remake didn’t do justice to the original movie, although it was a good production,” Haider said. “They filmed it in a Hollywood style, which was a plus point as it boosted their business. But the film lost its authenticity due to its attempt to copy Hollywood.”
Haider went on to critique the casting choices, particularly Fawad Khan in the titular role of Maula Jatt. “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,” he remarked.
He also had some thoughts on Mahira Khan’s portrayal of Mukkho Jatti. “Mahira Khan’s character could have been given to an authentic Punjabi Jatti,” he said, suggesting that the role required someone who could embody the raw, earthy essence of Punjab.
While Haider was critical of the main leads, he praised the performances of Humaima Malick and Hamza Ali Abbasi. “Humaima and Hamza were brilliant; they performed better than the main leads,” he said.
In the same podcast, Haider Sultan dropped a bombshell announcement—he is working on a new project titled Son of Maula Jatt. While he didn’t reveal too many details, the title alone has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans of the original film.
Check out the full interview here:
While the 2022 version was a box office juggernaut, grossing millions and earning international acclaim, purists and fans of the original have often criticized it for straying too far from its Punjabi roots.
Sultan Rahi’s portrayal of Maula Jatt remains one of the most iconic performances in Pakistani cinema. His larger-than-life presence, powerful dialogue delivery, and unmatched charisma made him a legend. For Haider Sultan, preserving his father’s legacy is a deeply personal mission.
