Salman Khan's 'Sikandar' leaks ahead of release; IMPPA says, "This illegal act has caused significant financial harm "

Salman Khan’s highly awaited Eid release, ‘Sikandar,’ which created a buzz right from the word go, finally made it to the theatres on March 30, 2025. It was nothing less than a celebration for the actor and his fans; however, the contentment was short-lived as the film was illicitly leaked online just hours before its official theatrical release. The unauthorized distribution prompted authorities to act swiftly, resulting in the removal of the pirated content from approximately 600 websites
‘Sikandar’ piracy file was pushed and promoted on Telegram, the ‘Dark Web,’ and other platforms to watch it for free in HD quality. There were some 10,000 links to encourage people to download it for free. This brings back the memories of how piracy affected Radhe when it got pirated even before it got released.
The silver lining is that despite the free availability of the film, his fans are still loyal and going to theatres to watch the film.
Addressing the matter in a press release issued by the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association, the respective authority has strongly condemned the unauthorized online release the movie.
Their release states, “This illegal act has caused significant financial harm to the film's producer and the film industry, particularly at a time when the entire fraternity—including producers, distributors, and theatre owners—is grappling with multiple challenges.”
“Piracy remains one of the most severe threats to the entertainment sector, causing substantial revenue losses and jeopardizing the livelihoods of countless individuals involved in film production, distribution, and exhibition. The leak of SIKANDAR serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of anti-piracy laws and enhanced digital security measures to protect intellectual property rights,” the release further states.
It continued, “IMPPA has consistently raised concerns about platforms like X and Telegram, which facilitate the unauthorized streaming and distribution of films. Despite repeated efforts with the concerned authorities, these platforms continue to operate unchecked, boldly and fearlessly promoting the free availability of these films on social media. We strongly urge the authorities to take strict action to shut down these sites and hold those responsible accountable under the law.”
“The unauthorized release of SIKANDAR is not just a financial setback; it is an attack on the creative efforts and dedication of the entire film community. We urge all stakeholders, including the Central and State Government, police and cybercrime agencies, and digital platforms, to work together in strengthening legal frameworks and enforcing stricter anti-piracy measures to prevent such illegal activities in the future.”
Last but not least, the IMPPA appealed to audiences “to support the film industry by watching films through legitimate channels and refraining from engaging in piracy. Only through collective action can we safeguard the future of Indian cinema and ensure that filmmakers continue to create and deliver quality content without the fear of unlawful exploitation.”