Today, Salman Khan’s Sikandar was released globally in theaters. Although the promotional content failed to generate much buzz, there was a strong belief among the director and producers that the film’s mass appeal and the muscular hero would definitely win over the audience. However, even before the first show in India could begin, piracy struck at midnight, sending fans into a state of shock. Upon receiving the information, producer Sajid Nadiadwala immediately sprang into action. With the help of his team, he managed to take down links from over 600 sites. However, by then, the print had already gone viral across various platforms, spreading far and wide.
This incident can be seen as a final warning for the industry. If producers do not recognize the damage being caused to them, those who are silent today could be the victims in the future. To prevent that, it is crucial to identify where the sources of piracy are coming from. Even if the servers are foreign-based, it is essential to use the IP addresses to alert the respective governments to ensure that the perpetrators are punished. HD prints with clear audio have been leaking more frequently over the last several months. Films like Game Changer, Pushpa 2, and Thandel have also been victims of this, causing significant losses.
In the past, even Pawan Kalyan’s Attarintiki Daredi saw a print leak before its release, which was a huge sensation at the time. Back then, 5G, high-speed internet, and apps like Telegram were not as accessible. But today, with just an app like Telegram, everything can spread quickly. Given the negative feedback Sikandar has received, if the producers want to salvage the box office collections, they must address piracy first. The hard work of producers who invest hundreds of crores and directors who put in immense effort is being undermined by piracy, making their labor seem futile. It is crucial that everyone acknowledges the severity of piracy at this point.
Tags Sikandar