Cyber cell to probe online piracy of Marathi movie

The latest film to become a victim of online movie piracy is Marathi movie Sairat, which was allegedly uploaded on a popular video streaming site days into its release.

Directed by Nagraj Manjule, the film was released in theatres on April 29. It was declared an instant hit and received critical acclaim.

Mr Manjule met Atulchandra Kulkarni, Joint Commissioner of Police (crime) to discuss the piracy issue that has plagued the newly released movie.

He has also registered a first information report regarding the same at the cyber crime police station, which is trying to find the source of the video. According to sources, the filmmakers on Thursday noticed a full version of the movie available on a popular video-viewing site. “When they checked they were shocked to find it was indeed the complete movie and an uncut version,” said a cyber crime official. Sources reveal that the uploaded print was the one that the makers had submitted to the censor board for issuance of certificate.

Sources said they were trying to find when the video had been uploaded. While the site has now pulled down the video, it had allegedly received many views in the last three days.

The police is looking into the issue and will also be questioning all the crewmembers of the movie. They will also be checking whether other copies of the movie are available on torrent sites. Sources said that Mr Manjule had asked the police to take strict action against the offenders.