Dev Patel‘s directorial debut, Monkey Man, finds itself embroiled in controversy even before its release in India, as pirated versions of the film flood the internet, leaving netizens with a tempting offer to watch the movie for free.
Originally slated for an April 19 release, the film’s launch was postponed due to delays in securing clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Despite recent rumours suggesting a ban on the movie in India, a report from Bollywood Hungama refuted these claims, stating that CBFC members are yet to review the film.
Users Watched Monkey Man On Pirated Sites Even Before Its Release In India
While Monkey Man premiered in most markets on April 5 and became available for rent on Amazon Prime Video internationally, high-quality pirated copies swiftly proliferated online following the rental release.
According to reports, Warner Bros and Universal Pictures, the companies handling the movie’s distribution, made efforts to remove pirated links. Additionally, X, previously known as Twitter, sent copyright infringement notices to individuals who shared the Google Drive link of the film.
The situation escalated when a prominent film critic not only reviewed the movie on a popular website but also admitted to watching it through undisclosed means. This, coupled with endorsements from influential personalities on social media, further fuelled interest in the film.
Exhibitors Slam Critics and Influencers for Promoting Piracy
A source from the exhibition sector voiced concerns, highlighting the allure of the forbidden fruit due to the film’s controversial reputation. With doubts lingering over its official Indian release, many have resorted to piracy out of fear of missing out.
Expressing disappointment, a theatre manager lamented the loss of potential audiences for cinemas, attributing it to poor planning on the part of the studio. The delayed release date and lack of proactive measures to address piracy have compounded the issue, leaving exhibitors with dwindling prospects.
Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi condemned the endorsement of piracy by industry insiders, emphasising the legal ramifications and economic impact on the entertainment sector.
As the film awaits clearance from the censor board, industry insiders remain hopeful that Monkey Man will eventually grace the big screen, albeit uncertain of when that might happen.
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