Director Bilal Lashari’s much-awaited blockbuster, ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ starring Fawad Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi, opened theatrically worldwide to rave reviews.

The Punjabi-language film, which boasts one of the biggest budgets in the history of Pakistani cinema, is a reboot of Yunus Malik’s 1979 cult classic ‘Maula Jatt.’

The film focuses on the legendary rivalry between local hero Maula Jatt, played by Khan, and Noori Natt, played by Abbasi, the leader of a brutal gang. The film has been directed by Bilal Lashari, whose debut film ‘Waar’ broke box office records in Pakistan. The film also stars Mahira Khan and Humaima Malick.

Critics and fans alike exploded on the internet, citing how the film has set a new standard for Pakistani cinematic excellence, praising the scale, actors, cinematography, music, visual effects and more.

Reactions pour in after 'The Legend of Maula Jatt' drops powerful trailer

The conversations also steered towards national pride and the potential of Pakistani cinema and calls to the government to invest further in the arts.

In a recent interview with Variety Magazine, Khan shared how the idea of making a reboot as opposed to a remake came about: “The actors who made that film what it was – Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi – were very big veterans of the industry,” Khan was quoted as saying by Variety Magazine.

“To take their acting as an influence for modern cinema may have been a bit out of context, and all respect to them, but we felt that these were very big shoes to fill, and therefore maybe we should attempt something.”

Prior to the premiere, Lashari put out a reminiscent and hopeful message to his fans and audiences, recounting the journey of the film that started about a decade ago, and that finally came to fruition.

Here is a round-up of how netizens are reacting to the release:

On how it compares to Bollywood:

"Almost Shakespearean"

Expressing irritation at the lack of interest in the arts

From an actor to another

Praise for Noori