Fawad Khan: From Urbane to Barbarian

When I first heard about Bilal Lashari (director of the Pakistani movie Waar) working on a remake of the film Maula Jatt, the news did not hold much interest for me. However, the news that the film had cast Fawad Khan to play the role of Maula Jatt drew my attention and without further ado, I proceeded to watch the trailer for the movie. As far as Pakistani trailers for movies go, the trailer for ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ seemed quite an improvement as it didn’t give the plot of the story away. What’s more, the film’s trailer showed Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan as an onscreen couple again.

Watching both the actors together in the trailer took me eight years back when the duo made their first appearance in the critically acclaimed drama ‘Humsafar’. The drama, which was a breakthrough for both their careers, left fans with a longing to see both the actors as a couple again because of their brilliant onscreen chemistry. Well, looks like their heart’s desire will finally be fulfilled as the release date of The Legend of Maula Jatt draws closer. Although the film was set to be released on Eid-ul-Fitr 2019 but because of some reasons the release date has been delayed. The film has been said to be the most expensive film to be made in Pakistani history.

The years 2010-2012 were a time when Fawad Khan enjoyed widespread popularity and success because of exceptionally good acting skills in three of his television drama serials which became an instant hit among people. With his impeccable good looks and perfectly delivered dialogues, Fawad became the winner of millions of hearts with his roles as Hassan in Dastaan, Ashar in Humsafar and Zaroon in Zindagi Gulzar Hai. All three of his television serials received popularity on an international level as well. His debut role in the Bollywood film Khoobsurat alongside Sonam Kapoor further gave a boost to his popularity among Indian fans.

The heartthrob Fawad Khan has been the receiver of several awards along with being included in the list of the 100 Most Handsome Guys. It is quite a proud moment for our nation when a Pakistani actor attained the 41^st position on the list, leaving behind actors such as Ryan Reynolds, Leonardo Decaprio and Dwayne Johnson. The British magazine Eastern Eye also listed him as the Sexiest Asian Males.  

A glimpse of the trailer of Khan’s upcoming movie shows him as an uncivilized barbarian fighting his enemy amidst a crowd of onlookers. The Pakistani actor, however, has always landed roles where he got to play the role of a millionaire who has everything in life be it good looks, money, education, a fancy house or even the girl he likes. It makes me wonder whether he will be able to do justice to Maula Jatt’s role which seems so unlike anything he has ever played before. However, his stares in the trailer seemed as intense as they did in all his previous roles which makes me optimistic about the success of his role.