Vishwak Sen's Telugu film 'Laila' leaked online hours after release
What's the story
The much-awaited action-comedy film Laila, featuring Vishwak Sen and helmed by Ram Narayan, hit theaters on Friday.
However, only hours after its release, the Telugu movie was leaked and is now available on multiple illegal websites in HD quality.
The incident comes as another blow to the South Indian film industry in its battle against piracy, which has witnessed a recent spike despite efforts.
Industry struggle
Piracy: A recurring issue for the South Indian film industry
Notably, Laila isn't the first film to get leaked online in recent times. Other films including Game Changer, Pushpa 2, Thandel, Vidaamuyarchi, Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Kalki 2898 AD, and Ponman have also been illegally uploaded on the day of their release.
While some movies have withstood the test, others have taken a major box office hit due to piracy.
Industry reactions
Industry leaders express concern over rising piracy
After a pirated version of Thandel was screened on an Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus, film producer Bunny Vas took to social media to express his disappointment.
He requested APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao to issue a strict circular banning the screening of pirated movie footage in all buses across the state.
Actor Allu Arjun's father-producer Allu Aravind also expressed concerns over the resurgence of piracy despite attempts to suppress it.
Threats and apologies
'Laila' co-actor Prudhvi received threats to leak the film
Adding to the woes, Laila co-actor Prudhvi was also trolled on social media after he made a political comment at the film's pre-release event.
He revealed that he had received threats to leak the film online and expressed his disappointment saying, "25K tweets are saying Boycott Laila because Prudhvi made a political comment. Some have threatened to leak the film's HD print on opening day."
Legal response
Legal action pledged against piracy perpetrators
Responding to the piracy problem, Vas has promised to take legal action against the culprits.
He referred to past cases of the films Geetha Govindam and Taxiwala, and said that the culprits are still in jail.
"We won't leave anyone," he said.
With Laila now leaked online, it remains to be seen how this will affect its box office collection.