Pakistan's film industry will feel the vibrations of India's cinematic presence with the release of Aishwarya Rai-starrer "Bride and Prejudice", an event that many hope will kick-start joint productions between the two countries.

The film is scheduled to hit Pakistani cinemas by the end of December, Daily Times reported Sunday.

Actress Pooja Bhatt is also due to visit Karachi in December for the screening of her film "Rog" at a festival.

"The release (of 'Bride and Prejudice') will definitely scupper the plans of those producers who are aiming to overwhelm audiences with low-budget films," it added.

"Instead, it is believed that a high-budget film like 'Bride and Prejudice' will boost the level of cinematic production in Pakistan. Many view this as a necessary stepping-stone to the co-production of films between India and Pakistan," the newspaper contended.

"Certain groups in Pakistan, however, have opposed the advance of Indian cinema here. Nevertheless, many do support co-productions and the exchange of films between the two countries. They believe that such moves would be beneficial to both the Lollywood (the Lahore-based Pakistani film industry) and Bollywood film industries," it added.

Khaliq Chaudhry, the Pakistani distributor of "Bride and Prejudice" said showbiz circles were excited about the release of the film since it would boost an otherwise stagnant industry.

According to Samina Peerzada, a supporter of Indian and Pakistani co-productions, the release of "Bride and Prejudice" would be a "great moment" in the history of Pakistani cinema.

She said that she had wanted to cast Ashwarya Rai in a British-based film project but had been asked by the producers to wait and see if the actress could establish herself as an international star.

Sana, a film actress who also supports co-productions between the two countries, said "Bride and Prejudice" would have mass audience appeal due to Aishwarya's starring role.

Sana is to appear in "Kafla", a Bollywood film starring Sunny Deol. Production is expected to begin by the end of December.