Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 21: In what could be a major hindrance for the growth of the still nascent Tulu movie industry, copies of the much-awaited 'Dabak Dabaa Aisa' produced under the banner of Jaya Kirana Films have leaked, two weeks before the official release of the movie.

Complaint about the piracy has already been registered with the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, Bengaluru, and cases filed in Urwa police station, Karkala town police station, and Mangaluru cyber crime cell. Noting the seriousness of the matter, Mangaluru police commissioner Chandra Sekhar has already issued strict orders to the police to trace the culprits.

There is also a possibility that the police may raid mobile shops, cyber centres, college campuses and other places where the movie is said to have been illegally distributed.

Offenders to face up to seven-year jail term, hefty penalty

During the raids, if copies of the film are found in duplicate CDs, mobile phones or computers, such items would be seized and the offender would face up to seven years in jail. Not only is the offence non-bailable, but the violator would have to compensate for the losses incurred to the movie and bear the budget, informed cyber crime officials.

The police are of the opinion this mischief has been committed as 'Dabak Dabaa Aisa' is expected to break Tulu box office records with its release on August 5. "Whoever is behind this mischief will be dealt with strictly as per the provisions under the cyber crime law," the police assured.

Devadas Kapikad condemns piracy

Renowned actor-director of Tulu stage and cinema Devadas Kapikad has strongy criticized the piracy of the movie, in which he too is starring. "As Tuluvas, we should strongly and unitedly condemn the movie's leak. Such acts will kill the Tulu language and industry. Fans of Tulu cinema should teach a lesson to such mischief mongers.

"Tuluvas are not the kind of people who would watch Tulu movies on mobile phones. In earlier instances too, people have rejected pirated copies and flocked to the theatres to watch Tulu movies, and thereby set and example to others. Tuluvas themselves should condemn the piracy of Tulu movies, because Tulu cinema gets only 10 to 13 theatres. The fact that this movie has leaked shows that Tulu cinema has attained the level of Bollywood, Tamil and Telugu films which are also regularly pirated," Kapikad opined.

Piracy cannot stop movie's success: Navin D Padil

"It is really sad that 'Dabak Dabaa Aisa' movie has leaked much before its release. The Tulu cinema industry is still growing and such negative developments are unexpected. However, this will not dampen the movie's prospects, as nobody would want to watch such a good movie on mobile phones of computers. Such acts generate more publicity for the movie, and other than that, neither the cast nor the filmmakers would be affected by it. I have worked in this movie and I am confident that it will be highly successful. Undoubtedly, those who cannot tolerate the success of Tulu cinema and artistes like me have done such mischief. No matter what they do, they cannot stop the movie from becoming superhit. We have the blessings and support of the entire Tulu populace," said popular actor Navin D Padil.

"Complaints have already been lodged in different police stations and cyber crime cells, and the police have taken serious note of the issue. Piracy of the movie, downloading on mobile phones, cyber centres and computers is a punishable offence. I request people to approach the nearest police station or the movie team concerned if they come across any pirated copy of the film. The movie will release on August 5, and I urge all Tulu movie fans to come to theatres in large numbers and thereby defeat the ill motives of those who indulge in piracy," he urged.

Indeed, it is a matter of great shame that the Tulu movie industry which is still in its infancy is made victim of piracy. Tulu movies get only about 13 theatres for release in the undivided Dakshina Kannada, and it is common knowledge that due to the number of Bollywood, Kannada and other regional movies that release in these theatres every week, producers of Tulu movies have a hard time getting their movies released on the promised dates. On top of that, if the movie is pirated and leaked throughout the region much before its release, it will cause huge losses not only to that particular movie, but to the industry at large. It is time that this menace is nipped in the bud right now before more Tulu movies get hijacked by unscrupulous mischief mongers.

Those with any information about pirated copies or illegal downloads of 'Dabak Dabaa Aisa' movie are requested to call 9448992524 or police control room on 100.