The Star Cineplex authorities had ambitious plans for the film, which marked their first import under the Safta agreement. Despite preparations for a grand premiere, the screening couldn't proceed as scheduled on Friday (March 29), as the film couldn’t get censor clearance.

After much speculation, finally the foreign film import company Action Cut Entertainment brought the film under the SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) agreement after being approved by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on November 28.

After receiving clearance from the censor board, “Pathaan” is finally set to be screened from May 12.

The commerce ministry has formed two separate committees to start negotiations with India over signing a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) to boost bilateral trade and investment in the post-LDC period.