While Akshay Kumar ’s latest film Pad Man has opened to excellent reviews in theatres across India, Pakistani fans of Hindi cinema won’t be able to watch the film in their country. Reason? The film has been denied a non-objection certificate (NOC). “Pad Man was initially bought by Amjad Rashid of IMGC but after he was shown the trailer, he was advised not to import the film. Later HKC bought it and applied for NOC which was denied,” a source reveals to an entertainment portal. Pad Man is Akshay Kumar’s most widely released film to date.

Central Board Of Film Certification in Pakistan has refused to certify the film because of the subject it deals with. A senior executive from Pakistan expressed her disapproval of the decision. “Well, you know how the mentality is in our Asian men towards periods and they don’t want to discuss this as it’s a taboo. Sadly.”

A trade analyst does not see this development making any impact on the business of the film. “Pakistan as a territory is not a big one so even if Pad Man does not release there, it will not have any effect on the business of the film.”

Also starring Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte , Pad Man is directed by R Balki and hits screens on 9th February.