Pakistan's highest-grossing film is finding an audience in Chinese cinemas
The Express Tribune reports The Legend of Maula Jatt opened in Chinese cinemas in May 2026, earning early box-office traction as Pakistan and China mark 75 years of diplomatic ties.
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The Legend of Maula Jatt has moved from Pakistan's record books into Chinese theaters. The Express Tribune reports the film began screening in China on May 21, 2026, timed alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Early box-office tracking cited in the piece puts opening-week earnings at roughly 100,000 yuan, or about $14,739, according to industry data the outlet references from Chinese media.
South Asian film watchers tracking global theatrical runs should note the difference here: this is not a festival one-off but a commercial release in a market that rarely programs Pakistani cinema at scale.
The Tribune notes audience reaction to the film's scale, action choreography, and artistic style, with viewers saying they had little prior exposure to Pakistani movies.
Distribution executives quoted in the coverage frame the release as a step toward deeper film cooperation between China and Pakistan, including production and talent exchange.
Maula Jatt is a modern reboot of a 1979 Punjabi cult classic. The 2022 version already dominated Pakistan's box office and drew international attention for its production scope.
A China theatrical run is still unusual enough to matter for anyone comparing how South Asian blockbusters travel outside diaspora hubs. The Tribune has early reception notes and box-office tracking if you want numbers beyond the opening-week figure cited above.
