Latest news with #TheLegendofMaulaJatt
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Official trailer drops for new Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed starrer 'Love Guru'
The official trailer for Love Guru has been released, marking the much-anticipated reunion of Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed on the big screen. Directed by Nadeem Baig and penned by Vasay Chaudhry, the romantic comedy is set to premiere on Eid-ul-Azha 2025. Produced by ARY Films and Six Sigma Plus, with Salman Iqbal as the lead producer, Love Guru boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Momina Iqbal, Mira Sethi, Sohai Ali Abro, Ammara Malik, Adnan Shah Tipu, Marina Khan, Annie Zaidi, Usman Peerzada, and Javed Sheikh. The film's teaser showcases picturesque locations in the UK and Pakistan, highlighting the palpable chemistry between the lead pair. Fans have expressed their excitement, with one commenting, 'We should support our own movies. Thank God we have stars like Mahira and Humayun.' Love Guru also marks Mahira Khan's return to cinema after a three-year hiatus, her last appearance being in The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022). The film's poster, shared by director Nadeem Baig, features Mahira in an elegant white dress and Humayun in a sharp suit vest, embracing under a spotlight in a grand, vacant mansion. The scene, sprinkled with soft golden light, hints at a story filled with romance and enchanting music.
Khaleej Times
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Fawad Khan's Bollywood comeback with Vaani Kapoor explores romance, food, and freedom
Under the soft glow of a high-end lounge at Dubai Mall's Reel Cinemas, away from the earlier frenzy of a press conference packed with influencers, journalists, and fans eager for a glimpse, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor sat down for a quiet, intimate chat. It was the kind of moment that felt both relaxed and historic—especially considering what it took to get here. Behind the velvet ropes and the spotlight, the atmosphere was meticulous. A list of media dos and don'ts had been circulated well in advance. Questions were to steer clear of controversy, and conversations were expected to remain squarely on the film. The restraint wasn't surprising. After all, Abir Gulaal marks Khan's much-awaited return to Bollywood—nearly a decade since his last Hindi film—and comes at a time when borders between art and politics have only grown more charged. Khan, an actor, singer, and producer with an unwavering fanbase in India, announced his Bollywood comeback earlier in the month, sending social media into a collective swoon. The announcement, according to reports, comes 18 months after an Indian court effectively ruled that the de facto industry ban on Pakistani artists—imposed in 2016—was unlawful. For many, Abir Gulaal isn't just another romantic drama; it is the reopening of possibilities. And yet, when the duo spoke, none of that weight was apparent. They were breezy, candid, and effortlessly charming—much like the film itself. Their latest cinematic outing is a romantic comedy set in the vibrant food scene of London, where Gulaal (played by Kapoor), a free-spirited aspiring chef, finds herself clashing—and eventually connecting—with her uptight restaurateur boss, Abir (played by Khan). 'It felt like a breeze,' Khan said with a soft grin. 'After the intense work I've done in the past few years (The Legend of Maula Jatt, Barzakh), this was light-hearted. Something you come back to, unwind, go to sleep, and not have to think too much. Plus, it's about chefs and restaurants—I love being in the kitchen.' 'Same,' Kapoor nodded. 'I was craving something like this. Gulaal has this childlike quality—I think she's kind of like my alter ego. And of course, working with Fawad was a huge plus. He's so talented.' There's an unmistakable ease between them, both on and off screen. Their characters are cut from different cloths—Abir is reserved and measured; Gulaal is spontaneous and unfiltered. Yet, their chemistry works, perhaps because it draws strength from the tension. 'It's like two worlds collide,' he said. 'And that's what makes it fun,' she added. 'The chemistry wasn't forced. It was very organic.' In a film that orbits around themes of food, freedom, and love, the actors found personal resonance. 'I love food. I consider myself a romantic. And freedom…' Khan paused, weighing his words carefully. 'Let's just say it's something we all aspire to. And in this story, the characters do find their own versions of it.' 'Freedom to love,' Kapoor added thoughtfully, 'should never be restricted. It's a feeling. An emotion. You can't put a rule on that.' Even off-screen, the roles left their mark. 'I think every character leaves behind little nuggets,' he said. 'Abir taught me to be more understanding.' 'Gulaal reminded me to stay curious,' she added. 'She's impulsive and joyful—she reminded me of my younger self.' Of course, it wasn't all introspection. There were laughs too. On who's more likely to burn something in the kitchen, Kapoor cheekily responded, 'The one who enters the kitchen—because I don't!' 'That's a smart answer,' Khan laughed. And if they had to swap lives with their characters? 'It'd be a freaky Friday,' Fawad quipped, deadpan, alluding to the Hollywood body swap comedy that features Lindsay Lohan. Their comfort food? Kapoor swears by dal chawal and rajma chawal. Khan, with the flair of someone unafraid of unpopular opinions, admits, 'Karela. Bitter gourd. I love it.' When it comes to dream restaurants, they got personal. Kapoor would pay tribute to her father's lovingly made kheer (rice pudding), while Khan envisions a space built around mastering the deceptively simple French omelette. 'It's the simplest dish, but one of the hardest to make right. That's what makes it so beautiful.' Dubai, a melting pot of culture and cuisine, proved a fitting backdrop for Abir Gulaal 's pre-release spotlight. The cast and crew, including composer Amit Trivedi, the voice behind the beautiful numbers in the film, were rocking up a stage in Global Village on the weekend. So in a time when politics often threaten to overshadow cinema and its artistry, Abir Gulaal feels like a palate cleanser, as Kapoor rightfully points out to another reporter -- light, flavourful, and surprisingly bold in its quiet return to cross-border storytelling. And in Khan's signature French omelette way—it may be simple, but it's anything but ordinary.
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Zhalay irritated by anti-Atif sentiments online
Believe it or not, Atif Aslam's brand new Instagram reel era has stirred up quite the controversy, though his defenders have been just as loud. Following writer Sadiq Saleem's criticism of the singer's recent comedic antics, actor Zhalay Sarhadi took to Instagram to support Atif's fresh stream of content. Zhalay, who often posts humorous content on her own account, wrote, "Why? Why is it that someone has to impose their own personal opinions on others? Whoever this open-letter person is needs to just live and let live. Gen Z, millennial, or whatever. So effing irritating and unnecessary." The Mere Bewafa actor's response comes only a few days after Sadiq penned a thread-post of commentary disapproving Atif's "reel madness" and suggesting alternatives. "Atif, we get it - Gen Z is the hot demographic, but if you really want to win them over, show them your world. Give us your riyaaz sessions, your backstage chaos, your soundchecks, that moment you lose your voice and panic before a concert. Because right now, it's not giving Atif Aslam. It's giving Atif Bhai trying to be a 'content creator'," Sadiq wrote. The writer believes that putting out such reels compromises on the Pehli Nazar Mein singer's "pop star mystique". He made his case by citing other musicians who choose not to hop on trends to keep their audiences engaged. "Atif, you're over 40, a loving father of three, with over two decades of music behind you, multiple state honours to your name, and the most bankable voice in the region. You don't need to chase trends - you are the trend." Sadiq clarified that his intentions weren't malicious and that his comments were only stemming from a place of admiration for the singer's craft. "This isn't coming from a troll or a hater. This is coming from a listener who hasn't missed a single one of your concerts, who still gets goosebumps every time the alaap from Aadat echoes, and who truly believes that you are the biggest audio legend of our time," Sadiq said. "That's exactly why it hurts to see you drift into this space that doesn't do justice to your incredible legacy. Especially when you're an icon." As of late, Atif has taken fans by surprise over his newly developed reel game. For his latest posts, the singer recruited star power, such as The Legend of Maula Jatt director Bilal Lashari and the film's stars Fawad Khan and Faris Shafi, as well as younger musicians Hasan Raheem and Abdul Hannan. Despite the initial shock, netizens quickly warmed up to the change. "Bro is conquering the meme world after conquering music," a user wrote.
Express Tribune
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
WATCH: 'Abir Gulaal' teaser reveals Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor in romantic comedy
Listen to article Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor are set to light up the big screen in the upcoming romantic comedy Abir Gulaal, which has officially set its release date for May 9, 2025. The film, which is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, has also dropped its first teaser, giving audiences a glimpse into its storyline and the chemistry between the two lead stars. The plot of Abir Gulaal is set in London, following the development of a love story with various twists and moments of connection. The film aims to explore themes of romance and personal growth. Fawad Khan, known for his roles in Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016), returns to Bollywood for this project. His recent work includes The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022) and Ms. Marvel (2022). Vaani Kapoor, recognised for her performance in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021), plays the female lead. Vaani Kapoor also has roles in the upcoming Netflix series Mandala Murders and the Bollywood film Badtameez Gill. Abir Gulaal is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. The producers include Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy. The film is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi. The film follows the Bombay High Court's 2023 ruling that dismissed a petition seeking to ban Pakistani artists from working in India.
Express Tribune
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
The Legend of Maula Jatt' slated for re-release in UK
Punjabi-language blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt is returning to cinemas in the UK this Eid. Director Bilal Lashari announced the news in an Instagram post, writing, "You asked for it — it's back! The Legend of Maula Jatt returns to UK cinemas this Eid — March 28! Catch the epic, history-making blockbuster one more time in theatres." Bilal followed the announcement up with another post, which listed the 29 venues where the film would be screening. Fans in the UK should be able to see the titular protagonist wielding his gandasa on the big screens at Cineworld, VUE, and ODEON. The running period for the film has yet to be confirmed. The film originally released worldwide in October 2022, spotlighting a star-studded cast including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Hamza Ali Abbasi. Amid political tensions, it also secured an India release date in 2024. However, its delayed run in the neighbouring country was halted by September. The action reboot was expected to mark a historic moment as the first Pakistani release in India in more than a decade. However, the film's release was blocked, with sources citing the ongoing ban on Indian films in Pakistan as a key factor. The ban has been in place since 2019, and any Pakistani films attempting to enter the Indian market face significant opposition. As per Bollywood Life, in an earlier statement, Thackeray issued a warning ahead of the film's proposed release in early October. His grievances were rooted in the timing of the release, coinciding with the Navratri festival in Maharashtra. He emphasised the potential for unrest: "Navratri festival will start around the time when this movie will be released. I don't want any conflict to happen in Maharashtra." The controversy cast a shadow over what was otherwise set to be a momentous occasion. The Legend of Maula Jatt, which originally hit cinemas in Pakistan in 2022, has become one of the country's highest-grossing films. This controversy came at an interesting time for the Fawad, who has long been one of the most beloved Pakistani stars to cross over into Bollywood. His previous appearances in hit films like Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil left a lasting impression on Indian audiences. As per Hindustan Times, the Humsafar actor is reportedly making his Bollywood comeback in a film opposite Ridhi Dogra. The film is expected to be released in 2026.
