Nepal bans release of Ayushmann Khurrana's film 'Udta Teer' over India-Pakistan tension portrayal

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana and actress Sara Ali Khan's upcoming film 'Udta Teer' has been in the news lately. But the film has suffered a major setback even before its release. It has emerged that permission to screen the film in Nepal has not been granted and its release has been stopped. The main reason for the decision is reportedly the depiction of tension between India and Pakistan.

According to the information available, Nepal's Ministry of Information and Communications (MIN) has told the film's distributor, National Cine Group, that the film will not be allowed to be screened. The film, directed by Akash Kaushik, was to open in cinemas on Friday. The ministry's audio-visual and telecast branch has said the film's content is prohibited under Section 8(3) of the Content Production, Exhibition and Distribution Act, 2026. Under this provision, such a film cannot be shown in public.

Now to the film. 'Udta Teer' is a spy thriller made under the banner of Karan Johar's production house. Gulshan Grover and Ram Kapoor are among the actors in key roles alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan.

The story revolves around a Pakistani agent. After reaching India, the agent loses his memory in an accident. He then develops an attachment to India and, standing with India, joins the effort to catch terrorists and spies from Pakistan.

Objection has reportedly been raised to the film's distorted portrayal of the tension between India and Pakistan. For this reason, a ban on the film's public screening is being spoken of. It has also been stated that Nepal has a provision barring the screening of films that directly affect the nationality of any country or its community.

Nepal's decision has given a new turn to the discussion around the film. However, an official clarification on the decision and a reaction from the film's makers are yet to come, and their response will be important.