BEIJING: Bilal Lashari said the Beijing premiere of The Legend of Maula Jatt reminded him of the true power of cinema after receiving an emotional response from Chinese audiences.
Sharing his experience on Instagram, Lashari said he had attended many premieres before. However, he admitted the reception in China felt completely different and deeply personal.
“I thought I knew what to expect. I didn’t,” he wrote.
Director Reflects on Emotional Premiere Experience
Lashari explained that nearly four years had passed since the film’s release in Pakistan. Therefore, he had mentally moved on to new projects and creative ideas.
However, the Beijing premiere changed his perspective.
He said the warmth shown by the Chinese press, film industry and audience was genuine and heartfelt. According to Lashari, the appreciation was directed not only at the film but also at him personally.
Cinema’s Power Beyond Borders
The filmmaker noted that Chinese audiences watched the film without prior knowledge of Pakistan’s film industry or its actors.
“They came in with nothing. And what came back was something pure,” he said.
Lashari added that the experience reminded him why cinema remains powerful despite the rise of digital platforms and social media.
“No platform, no algorithm, no TikTok can do what a cinema does,” he wrote.
Tribute to Cast and Crew
Lashari also praised producer Ammara Hikmat and said her contribution was visible in every frame of the film.
He wished the entire cast and crew could have attended the Beijing premiere alongside him.
The film stars Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Humaima Malick, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Gohar Rasheed, Faris Shafi and Ali Azmat.
Film Releases Across China
The Legend of Maula Jatt officially released in cinemas across China on May 21, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
The blockbuster reboot of the 1979 cult classic became one of Pakistan’s highest-grossing films. It earned more than Rs1 billion domestically and over $10 million worldwide.
