In a significant development, Mumbai Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) following the unauthorized online circulation of “Chhaava,” a historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna. The film, which portrays the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, was released on February 14, 2025, and has since been a subject of piracy concerns.Lokmat+8Oyeyeah+8Mid-day+8
Piracy Incident and Box Office Performance
Despite the film’s commercial success, having amassed over ₹575 crore in domestic box office collections, it faced a major setback when it was leaked online within hours of its release. The anti-piracy agency appointed by Maddock Films, the production company behind “Chhaava,” identified and flagged more than 1,800 illegal links distributing the film. The Financial Express+1Mid-day+1
Legal Actions Initiated
In response to the widespread piracy, the anti-piracy agency filed a complaint, leading Mumbai Police to register an FIR. The FIR includes charges under Sections 51, 63, and 65A of the Copyright Act, Sections 316(2) and 308(3) of the BNS (Bombay Police Act), Section 6AA of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (Amendment 2023), and Sections 43 and 66 of the Information Technology Act. The Financial Express+1Mid-day+1
Details of the Film and Its Impact
“Chhaava,” directed by Laxman Utekar, is a historical drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Vicky Kaushal portrays the titular role, with Rashmika Mandanna playing Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna as Emperor Aurangzeb. The film has been lauded for its storytelling and performances, contributing to its substantial box office earnings. DNA India+5IMDb+5Oyeyeah+5Business News Today+6DNA India+6Mid-day+6
Challenges with Piracy
The unauthorized distribution of “Chhaava” highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the film industry concerning digital piracy. Piracy not only results in financial losses but also undermines the efforts of creators and the industry at large. The swift action taken by Mumbai Police underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are being addressed.FilmiBeat+8Business News Today+8Mid-day+8
Industry Response and Measures
The incident has sparked discussions within the industry about enhancing measures to protect intellectual property rights. Producers and stakeholders are exploring advanced technological solutions and legal frameworks to combat piracy effectively. Collaboration with law enforcement agencies and international bodies is also being emphasized to tackle the issue on a global scale.
Public Awareness and Consumer Responsibility
Consumers play a crucial role in curbing piracy. Opting for legitimate channels to view content ensures that creators receive due recognition and compensation for their work. Public awareness campaigns are being launched to educate audiences about the legal and ethical implications of consuming pirated content.
Conclusion
The registration of the FIR by Mumbai Police following the online leak of “Chhaava” serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of digital piracy in the entertainment industry. While the film continues to perform well at the box office, the unauthorized distribution poses significant challenges. It is imperative for all stakeholders, including creators, distributors, law enforcement, and consumers, to collaborate in safeguarding the integrity of creative works and ensuring that artists receive fair recognition and remuneration for their contributions.Mid-day
