The movie business is a high-stakes game, and sometimes even the biggest names can take a hit. For Salman Khan’s latest film, “Sikandar,” that hit came in the form of a major piracy leak. Just hours after the movie’s release, a pirated version began circulating online, leaving the filmmakers reeling.
As it turns out, the leak was more than just a minor setback. A recent audit conducted by the reputable firm Ernst & Young revealed that the piracy cost the makers a whopping 91 crore rupees – a significant blow to the film’s bottom line. To put that in perspective, “Sikandar” earned 110 crore rupees in India and 184 crore rupees worldwide, which means the piracy leak accounted for a substantial chunk of the movie’s potential earnings.
But what’s even more intriguing is that the leaked version of the film included scenes that weren’t even part of the official release. These scenes featured emotional moments, background scores, and character developments that audiences didn’t get to see in theaters. For instance, one scene showed Sikandar’s wife dreaming of becoming a lawyer, while another featured medical students meeting Sikandar in Dhawaravi. It’s worth noting that the leak occurred after the film received approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has raised suspicions about potential insiders being involved.
The filmmakers are now exploring options to mitigate their losses, including filing an insurance claim. As it happens, the movie was insured for a substantial amount, which should help cover some of the damages. Salman Khan’s co-star, Rashmika Mandanna, also had a leading role in the film, which initially generated a lot of buzz. However, the movie’s narrative and screenplay received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike.
The piracy leak has not only created a financial crisis for the makers but also raised questions about the severity of piracy in the industry. The incident has sparked concerns about the need for more effective measures to prevent such leaks and protect the intellectual property of filmmakers. As the movie business continues to evolve, it’s clear that the war against piracy will remain an ongoing challenge.