Rashmika Mandanna and Salman Khan in Sikandar.
Credit: NGE Movies
Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna's much-anticipated movie Sikandar has fallen prey to piracy just hours before its official theatrical release. An HD print of the movie was allegedly leaked online ahead of its March 30 release.
According to a report by The Times of India, infamous piracy platforms like Tamilrockers, Movierulz, Filmyzilla, and several Telegram groups have leaked the full movie, providing illegal download links.
Condemning the incident, film trade analyst Komal Nahta took to X and wrote, "It’s the worst nightmare for any producer. A film being leaked before its theatrical release. Unfortunately, that’s what happened last evening to Sajid Nadiadwala’s ‘Sikandar’, slated to release today in cinemas. The producer had the authorities pull the film down from 600 sites last night but the harm had been done. The multiplication continued and is still continuing. Condemnable act which could cost the producer of the Salman starrer dear!"
The leak has worried the fans of the Bollywood superstar, with people asking each other to watch the movie in theatres and not promote piracy.
"...hd print of sikandar movie leaked online before even official release, worrying sign for upcoming movies," wrote a user on X.
Sikandar, directed by A R Murugadoss, is Salman's first film in two years that is releasing on the festival of Eid. His last film was Tiger 3, which came out around Diwali in 2023.
Since the trailer dropped earlier this month, the buzz has been decent for the action movie.
Trade experts have predicted a Rs 40 to 50 crore opening for the movie at the box office.
“With early estimates pointing to a Rs 50 crore opening on Sunday and a strong box office run ahead, ‘Sikandar’ is all set to bring audiences together for an unforgettable cinematic experience,” Gautam Dutta, CEO-Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd, said in a statement.
(With PTI inputs)