Pakistani movie-goers are in for a treat as the British Council plans to screen the Aishwarya Rai-starrer "Bride and Prejudice".

The Council is planning to bring in Gurinder Chadha's Anglo-Asian, Jane Austen-inspired film blockbuster to the country, the Daily Times said.

"We are still in the middle of our negotiations," said Naheed Malik, communications manager for the British Council in Karachi, adding that the council was prompted by the recent change in the attitude of the Pakistan government to allow Indian movies and joint productions in the country.

Malik said another reason "Bride and Prejudice" was selected was because it was a joint Indo-British production.

"The movie will be opened to the general public and not only to members of the British Council," informed Malik.

This move is considered important, as it would be the first time that a recent Indian movie will be shown in Pakistan. So far, only classics have been shown. Cinema owners have also started revamping their theatres to attract more business.

The newspaper said that the British Council's involvement in the distribution and exhibition of an Indian-influenced movie could help the exhibitor's cause as well. They have been asking the government to either grant them rights to screen Indian movies or eradicate piracy altogether.