Pakistani filmmaker Bilal Lashari has received the Festival Award for Best Filmmaker at the Bollywood Festival Norway for his exceptional work on “The Legend of Maula Jatt.”

The Bollywood Festival Norway, established in 2003 to promote Indian cinema and culture in Norway, is the country’s premier Indian cinema and culture celebration. The festival has evolved into a prominent event on Norway’s cultural calendar, drawing thousands of attendees annually.

Lashari’s victory marks a momentous occasion for Pakistani cinema as it’s the first instance of a Pakistani filmmaker securing the Best Filmmaker accolade. This achievement underscores Lashari’s talent and his ability to craft films that resonate with global audiences.

“The Legend of Maula Jatt” is a historical action film narrating the tale of a legendary Jatt warrior. The movie received both critical acclaim and commercial success, contributing to the exposure of Pakistani cinema to a broader viewership.

In his acceptance speech, Bilal Lashari expressed gratitude to the festival’s organizers and the judging panel for the honor. Bilal Lashari also emphasized the significance of cross-cultural comprehension and the unifying potential of cinema.

Lashari’s victory signifies a remarkable milestone for Pakistani cinema and underscores the growing international recognition of Pakistani films.

I am thrilled for Bilal Lashari and this well-deserved recognition for his outstanding work. “The Legend of Maula Jatt” is a truly remarkable film, and I hope Lashari’s success will inspire other Pakistani filmmakers to continue creating groundbreaking and innovative films.