Eid-ul-Fitr is always an exciting time for cinemas in Pakistan. But this year it might be bigger than ever. The occasion may witness a record sale of tickets. Hollywood’s most awaited flick “Fast and Furious 9” is confirmed for release on Eid. ARY Films is also releasing their musical action-drama film “Tich Button” on Eid-ul-Fitr and Distribution Club has also announced Fawad Khan’s “Money Back Guarantee” for the same date.
These three films would have been enough to fill the cinema appetite of a wide range of cine-goers as all the three films cater to a different audience. However with “The Legend of Maula Jatt” getting the green signal for release from the producers of the original “Maula Jatt”, there are speculations in trade that the film might release on Eid. If that happens, the two Fawad Khan starrer films would be competing at the box office, this Eid.
Previously in 2018, two Fahad Mustafa starrer films, “Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2” and “Load Wedding”, released on the same date. The latter suffered badly, losing out on screens. Knowing this we contacted the producer of “Money Back Guarantee”, Shayan Khan to know about his plans regarding the ambiguity surrounding TLMJ’s release. Khan responded with calmness, saying that “we will announce once the producers of TLMJ have locked their release date”.
Shayan, unlike many other producers, sounded very flexible. “I am a huge supporter of Pakistan’s cinema industry and I want the best for all films. I want them (producers of TLMJ) and others to make money because more films will be made only if the producers would earn from their investment. I or a few producers can’t run an industry alone. We need to make decisions that are based on what’s good for the whole fraternity and not just us”, responded Khan with more maturity than one would expect from him in a situation of such uncertainty.
While the producers of “Money Back Guarantee” have indicated their willingness to change their plans (if required) to avoid such a destructive clash, we wish the makers of “The Legend of Maula Jatt” to show the similar positive attitude. If they are finally granted rights by the producers of the original film, in the larger interest of the industry, they too should not release their film on Eid infront of already slated films. As for TLMJ, any Friday would be Eid day. The film is already the most hyped film and has the potential to shatter all the opening records of box office. But for that, it needs a solo release like “The Fate of the Furious” and “Sanju”.
