Salman Khan's Sikandar suffered a massive online leak even before its first overseas show was completed.
Directed by AR Murugadoss and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, the film was released in 22,000 shows across India, making it one of Bollywood's biggest releases.
However, just hours before its official release, an HD print leaked online, sending shockwaves through the industry.
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The leak has caused widespread confusion, as it is highly unusual for a high-quality version to be available before the first show is even finished. Reports suggest that an unencrypted file might have been the source, pointing to an internal leak from the film's own team or digital service providers.
Film expert Komal Nahta called it a producer's worst nightmare, revealing that although the makers managed to remove the movie from 600 websites, the damage was already done.
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This incident has devastated exhibitors, as it severely impacts box office collections. Many are questioning the ethics of distributors who charge huge amounts but fail to secure even a single show from piracy.
The fact that the leak happened before the release suggests a well-planned conspiracy, and authorities are now tracking those spreading pirated copies online.
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The film industry must take urgent action to prevent such incidents. If this can happen to Sikandar, it can happen to any major film. With Bollywood already struggling at the box office, such piracy leaks pose an existential threat to the industry's survival.
Sikandar has received disastrous reviews from audiences and critics. The film has had a shockingly poor opening, and now, this online leak of its HD version has sealed its fate. The film will struggle to even touch 100 crores at the box office.