The Legend of Maula Jatt China Release Date Set for May 21, Bilal Lashari Confirms

Director Bilal Lashari has officially announced that The Legend of Maula Jatt will debut in Chinese cinemas on May 21 — a landmark moment for Pakistani and Punjabi cinema on the global stage. The announcement marks one of the most significant international expansions for a South Asian film in recent memory.

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The film, which stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan in the lead roles, will now reach Chinese audiences after its massive commercial run across Pakistan, the Gulf, and the wider South Asian diaspora market. The makers confirmed the China release through official channels, signalling a deliberate push to position the film as a true international blockbuster.

Bilal Lashari Film: Cast, Production, and Global Reach

The Legend of Maula Jatt — a reimagining of the iconic 1979 Punjabi classic — was produced under the Encyclomedia banner and is widely regarded as the highest-grossing Pakistani film ever made. Alongside Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, the film features Hamza Ali Abbasi and Humaima Malick in pivotal roles, with each performance drawing widespread critical praise.

Bilal Lashari spent nearly a decade bringing this project to life. The director, known for his meticulous visual style, constructed a world rooted in Punjabi folklore and raw, stylised action — a combination that resonated deeply with audiences across cultures. You can read more about the film on its IMDb page. For more on South Asian entertainment news, nowlatest.com has you covered.

China Release: What This Means for Punjabi Cinema

China remains one of the world's largest theatrical markets, and breaking into it is no small feat for any film industry — let alone Punjabi cinema. The May 21 debut gives the film a wide international window and opens a conversation about the growing global appetite for non-English, non-Hollywood storytelling.

Earlier, the film had already made waves across the UAE, UK, and North American markets, where the South Asian diaspora turned out in strong numbers. The China release now extends that footprint into entirely new territory — audiences with no prior connection to the Maula Jatt legacy.

Meanwhile, trade sources indicate that the film's OTT availability in select regions has already introduced it to a younger, streaming-first audience. Those who missed it in theatres can check out our movie reviews section for a deeper look at what critics made of the film.

With May 21 now confirmed as the Chinese theatrical debut date, all eyes will be on how The Legend of Maula Jatt performs in one of the world's most competitive and closely watched box office markets.