'Muala Jutt' to get Blu-ray re-release in Pakistan

Karachi: 'Maula Jutt', one of the most successful films in Pakistan's history, is getting re-released in Blu-ray and 3D technology.

The film attained cult status in Pakistan film industry when it released in 1979 and was even screened for six years in a cinema in Lahore.

"'Maula Jutt' is a classic of its genre and I am re-releasing it because today films are being made for the elite class but my film attained cult status because it appealed to all audiences and it based on a true story," the producer of the film, Sarwar Bhatti told PTI.

He said he had decided for the re-release in 3D technology because this is a time when the Pakistani film industry is being revived.

"In the last two years a number of Pakistani films have done well at the box office and I am confident 'Maula Jutt' will again break all collection records," he said.

Based on a true story in a village of rural Punjab, 'Maula Jutt' is about an eponymous hero who gets into a blood feud with the local criminal leader, Noori Nath.

It's dialogues became so popular they are even spoken about today.

Featuring the late Sultan Rahi in the lead role of Maula Jutt the film also won awards and acclaim for Mustafa Qureshi who played the iconic role of Noori Nath.

"Like the fame Amjad Khan gathered for his role of Gabbar Singh in Sholay, Mustafa Qureshi also got the same acclaim in Pakistan," Bhatti said.

He said the film is being enhanced in London using latest 3D technology.

"The film is in the process of being remastered in London. The conversion will take place both in London and Pakistan and is going to cost an estimated Rs 4 million to Rs 5 million," he said.

Interestingly, the film could generate lot of controversy in the coming days as successful Filmmaker, Bilal Lashari who gave the box office hit 'Waar' last year has also announced plans of a remark of 'Maula Jutt'. Bhatti said Lashari has not obtained rights to remake the film from him .

Another production company, Crew Films have also announced they are doing a remake of the movie but Bhatti says even they don't have the rights.

"I met both parties and I told them that they cannot proceed with the project until they buy the rights from me," Bhatti said.