India’s brave stand against Pakistan was commendable — but now, the film industry must show similar resolve in fighting piracy, which is silently destroying cinema from within.
Every Friday sees a new film hit theatres — and almost immediately, it lands on piracy sites. Sometimes by the very next day, and alarmingly, even on the same day. This has become a recurring nightmare, especially for films released overseas.
Be it major films like Pushpa 2, Kalki, and last week’s releases Single and Shubham were all found online within hours of their release.
Interestingly, low-budget films released only in India and in limited theatres are largely spared. This points to a clear pattern- these piracy networks are operating from abroad, targeting international releases for rapid leaks.
The impact is devastating. Already grappling with low footfalls and poor box-office returns, filmmakers are now losing potential viewers who skip theatres altogether once pirated versions are available. Even the crucial first-weekend audience is vanishing.
If the government could successfully block Pakistani websites and YouTube channels during Operation Sindoor, why can’t it do the same with piracy sites?
It’s time for film producers across India to come together and demand urgent intervention from the central government.
Only a strong, unified push can lead to real action — where reported piracy sites are blocked instantly. That might just be the last shot at keeping cinema’s survival hopes alive.
All film chambers across India, MAA association leaders, and representatives from every craft of cinema must come together and actively join this movement. Someone should come forward to lead this and make a representation.
