Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s upcoming Bollywood film Udta Teer has hit a roadblock just days before its theatrical release. Nepal has refused permission for the film’s public screening, citing a provision of the country’s cinema law. The decision leaves the film’s release in the neighbouring country uncertain, even as it prepares to arrive in Indian cinemas on October 23.

Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology communicated the decision to local distributor National Cine Group Nepal through an official letter. The move followed a review by the country’s Central Film Censor Board, which concluded that the film fell under a category restricted by Nepal’s cinema regulations.

According to reports, the ministry’s letter referred to Section 8(3) of the National Cinema (Production, Exhibition and Distribution) Act, 2026. The authorities did not specify which scenes or elements of the film led to the restriction. The decision means Udta Teer cannot be publicly screened in Nepal under the current approval.

The film’s storyline is believed to be a possible factor behind the decision, although this has not been officially confirmed by the Nepalese authorities. Udta Teer revolves around a Pakistani spy who enters India on a mission but loses his memory following an accident. He then mistakenly believes that he is an Indian spy, setting off a series of unexpected and comic events.

Ayushmann plays Bilal Ahmad, the Pakistani agent at the centre of the story. The film combines espionage, action, patriotism and comedy, using mistaken identity to create humour against the backdrop of India-Pakistan tensions.

The subject has attracted attention because films dealing with relations between India and Pakistan can face scrutiny in markets where political sensitivities influence cinema regulation. However, without an official explanation identifying the objectionable material, it would be premature to conclude that a particular scene or aspect of the film directly caused Nepal’s decision.

The restriction is a setback for the film’s planned release in Nepal, where Indian films have traditionally attracted audiences. The local distributor had been preparing for the theatrical launch, but the refusal of screening permission has put those plans on hold.

The decision was communicated before the film’s scheduled release, giving the makers little time to address the issue before the planned opening. It remains unclear whether the producers will seek a review, propose changes or explore other options to secure permission for a future screening in Nepal.

Directed by Aakash Kaushik, Udta Teer marks his directorial debut. The film is produced by Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, with Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain among the producers.

Alongside Ayushmann and Sara, the film features Rahul Bose, Ram Kapoor, Suhail Nayyar, Gulshan Grover, Mukul Dev, Raghubir Yadav, Brijendra Kala, Sandeep Anand, Supriya Pilgaonkar and Smita Tambe in important roles. The mix of established performers and younger actors supports the film’s combination of comedy and action.

At the trailer launch, Ayushmann described the role as challenging because his character has to remain serious while chaos unfolds around him. The actor said the performance required him to maintain a straight face despite the comic situations. The premise allows the film to combine a spy narrative with misunderstandings and humour rather than follow the format of a conventional espionage thriller.

The Nepal screening decision does not affect the film’s scheduled Indian release. Udta Teer is still set to reach cinemas in India on October 23, and there has been no announcement of a change to that date.

The development also highlights the different rules that govern film certification and public exhibition across countries. A movie cleared for release in one market may still require separate approval elsewhere. Local authorities can assess films under their own laws, meaning distributors must account for country-specific regulations when planning an international release.

The immediate priority for the producers, will be the film’s opening in India, followed by any efforts to resolve the Nepal issue. The commercial impact of the restriction will depend partly on the size of the market affected and whether permission can be obtained later.

The Nepal ban has added an unexpected hurdle to the film’s release campaign. While the precise reason for the refusal remains unclear, the decision has brought Udta Teer into the spotlight even before audiences have had a chance to see it. The coming days may reveal whether the makers challenge the decision or accept that the film will not screen in Nepal for the time being.