The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has made a strong announcement against the piracy of the film Sikandar, an action thriller featuring Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sharman Joshi, and Kajal Aggarwal. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the movie was leaked online just hours before its official release on March 30, 2025, leading to significant financial losses for the film industry.
IMPPA has voiced serious concerns about the ongoing issue of film piracy, stating that it poses a substantial threat to the entertainment sector, impacting producers, distributors, and theater owners alike. The association pointed out that unauthorized online platforms, such as Telegram and X, have been instrumental in spreading films illegally, despite numerous warnings and legal actions against them. “IMPPA has consistently raised alarms about platforms like X and Telegram that allow unauthorized film streaming and distribution. Despite our persistent efforts with authorities, these platforms continue to function without any checks, boldly advertising free access to films,” the statement read, urging the government to take decisive action.
The association underscored the need for government involvement in tackling piracy. “The illegal leak of Sikandar is not just a financial blow; it undermines the hard work and creativity of the entire film community. We call on all relevant parties, including Central and State Governments, police, cybercrime agencies, and digital platforms, to collaborate in enhancing legal measures and enforcing stricter anti-piracy actions to prevent such illegal practices in the future,” IMPPA stated.
IMPPA also appealed directly to moviegoers, encouraging them to support the film industry by choosing legitimate viewing options. “We urge audiences to stand with the film industry by avoiding piracy. Together, we can protect the future of Indian cinema and ensure that filmmakers can continue to produce quality content without the threat of illegal exploitation,” the statement concluded.
The leak of Sikandar is indicative of a troubling trend in Bollywood, where various films have faced similar challenges despite stringent legal measures. Well-known piracy sites such as Tamilrockers, Movierulz, and Filmyzilla, along with various Telegram groups, made the full movie available for illegal downloading shortly before its release. Reports suggest that the leak may have originated from camcorder footage recorded in theaters, which was then enhanced to high definition and shared widely online.
As the industry grapples with this challenge, the call for action against piracy remains urgent to safeguard the creative future of Indian cinema.
