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Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Chhaava released in cinema halls on February 14. The Bollywood historical has minted ₹570.6 crore at the domestic box office, of which it has earned ₹555.75 crore in Hindi and ₹14.85 crore in Telugu. The hit film also fell prey to piracy upon its release and was made available on various online platforms for free viewing, in formats including HD. A case has now been filed in the matter.
On the complaint of Shri Rajat Rahul Haksar (Age 37), CEO of August Entertainment Pvt Ltd, an anti-piracy agency appointed by Maddock Films Pvt Ltd, the makers of Chhaava, regarding the unauthorised circulation of the Hindi movie Chhaava on various digital platforms, a case has been registered. The complainant reported that the film, directed by Laxman Utekar, was illegally made available through 1,818 internet links, violating copyright laws and impacting its theatrical distribution.
Accordingly, a case has been registered at South Cyber Police Station under CR No. 23/2025 for offenses under Sections 316(2) and 308(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 51, 63, and 65A of the Copyright Act, Section 6AA of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (Amendment 2023), and Sections 43 and 66 of the Information Technology Act. Further investigation is underway.
Movie piracy is a big issue impacting the film exhibition market. Soon after the release of movies and series on the big screens and OTT platforms, their pirated versions are made available for free viewing on pirate websites and other viewing platforms like YouTube.
(With inputs from Sandip Singh)
