‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ is savagely unapologetic. Who says films can’t be crude and simultaneously beautiful?

Imagine Robinhood living in the world of Game of Thrones, but make it Pakistani and fiercely Punjabi. You get The Legend of Maula Jatt (TLOMJ)… and I’m here for it!

There’s love, there’s war, there’s blood and gore, and a whole lot of entertainment.

Starring Fawad Khan in the titular role, TLOMJ is an out-and-out action drama set in a Shakespearean-esque period with raw characters, locations and emotions.

Maula Jatt (Fawad Khan) is a tortured, lonely, lost soul battling his inner demons to avenge the murder of his parents. The film follows the “hero’s journey” of departure, initiation to the unknown to fight his enemy and a triumphant return home.

But what sets TLOMJ apart from the clutter is its technicalities and attention to detail.

Stunning visuals and cinematography by Bilal Lashari build a strong foundation for this dystopian world, set in a time in history where tribes competed for power. Each frame is meticulously planned and shot making it an immersive experience.

Written by Nasir Adeeb and Bilal Lashari, the dialogues are equally powerful. The wickedly clever Punjabi dialogues spoken with fluidity makes a cerebral yet entertaining impact. Whether it’s the words of love, hate, power or of weakness – the crisp writing is the backbone of the film.

It almost makes you wonder if the film would’ve had equal impact if it were in another language. Probably not!

Speaking of the performances, it’s the negative cast that takes the cake.

Hamza Ali Abbasi as Noori Natt and Humaima Malick as Daaro Nattni are fabulously villainous as the brutally evil siblings and leaders of their gang.

Abbasi delivers a villain we love to hate; An antagonist we can’t help but root for in a battle with the protagonist. Noori, the most feared warrior in the land, teases the viewers with a menacing smile and a catchword “soniye” before thrashing his victims. A performance guaranteed whistles and loud applause in single-screen theatres everywhere.  

Another rogue to look out for is Maakha Natt (Gohar Rasheed) who is as evil and venomous as the scorpion’s poison he sniffs. It’s quite deliciously dark!

The kohl-eyed Malick is savagely intimating as a protective sister and princess defending her land. Her restrained speech and equation with her brother may remind you of a character in Game of Thrones… I’ll let you figure this out! Malick’s screen presence is remarkably unforgettable.

That unfortunately brings us to a forgettable lead character, Mukhoo Jattni (Mahira Khan). Introduced as Maula’s loudest cheerleader and his “love interest”, Mukhoo presence isn’t more than a prop or a mere supporting character to simply aid the progression of Maula’s journey.

The supporting cast of Faris Shafi as Mooda, Shafqat Cheema as Jeeva Natt, Saima Baloch as Rajjo, and Nayyer Ejaz as the army leader impressively commit to their roles.

TLOMJ is based on the characters conceptualized by Nasir Adeeb in 1979, that are just as bold and audacious in 2022.

The film is unapologetic for pushing the envelope in each frame and keeping the audience at the edge of their seats. Expected the unexpected – The Legend of Maula Jatt will catch you off guard!

Watch out for the poetry “Duniya taun apni kahani” that binds all the key characters together as well as sets them apart in their respective journeys. A crafty and nuanced approach to demonstrate their state of mind and fate.

Who says films can’t be crude and simultaneously beautiful?

Popcorn Rating –  [5/5]

The Legend of Maula Jatt is a wildly adventurous and fierce experience that’s a sure-shot game-changer for Pakistani cinema. Be ready to be shocked, awestruck and thoroughly entertained!