It surely looks like 2019 is going to be a fantastic year for Pakistani cinema and cinema-goers. With unreleased movies already thriving, one can only wonder how much more success they’ll garner once they’re available for the public. One such example is of Bilal Lashari’s The Legend of Maula Jatt, the anticipation of which driving everyone nuts.
The film is declared to be Pakistan’s most elaborate and expensive film made to date. But what makes it really stand out from the rest is the fact that it will be the first film from the subcontinent which gets to release in China, on the same day as its worldwide release. This is a major deal for any film in Pakistan, considering how only a limited number of movies get sanctioned to release in China.
The smattering number of films which are selected for screening in China are precisely examined by the relevant Chinese authorities. These films are then dubbed in resident-friendly languages, particularly Mandarin, and are given a standard screen time to appeal to the masses. So far, only a limited number of Hollywood films have been able to break through into the Chinese market. Mainstream movies like Spider Man2, Captain America, and X Men have fulfilled the criteria.
On the other hand, most movies have to be commercially successful before they’re approved for a release in China, at least some months or a year after their worldwide release. Bollywood films like Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots, Dangal and Secret Superstar have had screenings in China, making them earn approximately 300 Crores from the Chinese market. Movies like Hindi Medium and Bahubali have also been successful on the feat.
Such a breakthrough is a great leap forward for an unreleased Pakistani film, and has set substantial goals for newer projects to come. The Legend of Maula Jutt’s release in China increased the probability of reaching the 100 Crore mark for a Pakistani film. And not just for the local industry, but this is also a great touchstone for India to follow, as no Bollywood movie has achieved a release in China on the same day as their worldwide release.
