The highly anticipated Malayalam blockbuster Empuraan has been a victim of piracy within hours of its release in theaters. The piracy, which emerged on several illegal streaming sites, has raised fears of its effect on box office collections.
Director-actor Prithviraj Sukumaran went on social media to raise the issue, asking fans to watch the film legally. He tweeted, “Say No to Spoilers and Piracy,” highlighting the need to maintain the movie-going experience for viewers.
Industry professionals worry that the leak will take a big hit on the movie’s box office, as getting an early look at pirated copies usually translates to fewer tickets sold. Several have been advocating for more stringent intervention against piracy, pointing out its long-term impact on the sector.
In spite of the setback, Empuraan remains a crowd puller in theaters with audience support for the official release galore. Governments are going all out to dismantle illegal versions and nab the culprits behind the leak.
