It is known that Salman Khan's Sikandar was leaked online hours before the movie's theatrical release on March 30th. For several hours on the release day, the action entertainer circulated on numerous pirated websites before the producers were able to have the illicit copies removed. Concerned authorities are believed to have stepped in without delays.
However, the damage is too obvious. As per trade analyst Komal Nahta, lakhs of people must have downloaded the pirated versions on their mobile phones by then. These copies were shared to lakhs others, possibly. Even if five lakh people watched the movie online, the losses are significant.
It is possible that many of those who watched Sikandar online wouldn't have taken the pains to watch the movie in theatres. The quantum of losses is estimated to be around Rs 5 Cr, given that the 'word of mouth' is weak anyways.
The Sikandar leak has come as a shocker to the Hindi film industry. A big-ticket Eid release finding its way into the online world on Day 0 has sent shivers down the spine of the exhibition and production segments.
Starring Salman Khan, Sathyaraj and Rashmika Mandanna, Sikandar is directed by AR Murugadoss.
