Salman Khan’s Sikandar makers file insurance claim after Rs 91 cr piracy loss: Report

Following its release, Salman Khan's latest film, Sikandar, was swiftly impacted by online piracy, leading to substantial financial losses. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the unauthorized online availability of the film within hours of its premiere resulted in an estimated loss of approximately Rs 91 crore for the production team.

An insider told the publication, “An audit was commissioned to assess the extent of the leak and the resulting impact on revenue. Ernst & Young (EnY) submitted a comprehensive report that pegged the loss at approximately Rs. 91 crore."

An audit was conducted to assess the financial impact of the leak on Sikandar, comparing projected earnings with actual revenue. Advanced tracking methods were employed to monitor illegal downloads and streams, enabling the calculation of losses across both theatrical and digital platforms.

“Such audits often include a blend of data from ticketing platforms, distributor reports, and forensic tracing of piracy dissemination," the source added. “The Rs. 91 crore figure wasn’t arbitrary – it is rooted in a loss of potential theatrical and digital revenue."

The pirated version of Sikandar presented a unique situation, as it included scenes not found in the final theatrical release. These additions offered viewers a different perspective on the narrative, featuring sequences such as medical students meeting Sikandar in Dharavi, an extended flashback highlighting Kamaruddin’s health issues, and a heartfelt conversation where Sikandar learns about Rashmika Mandanna’s character’s dream of becoming a lawyer.

The leaked version of Sikandar included additional content not present in the theatrical release, such as a pre-interval segment detailing the challenges faced by Sikandar's team, a deleted scene depicting Vaidehi's suicide attempt, and an emotional cab scene featuring vadams.

The presence of unreleased scenes in the pirated version of Sikandar suggests that the leak occurred after the film received its CBFC clearance. The financial losses have prompted the filmmakers to file an insurance claim to recoup damages, highlighting significant content security concerns in the digital age, particularly for major Bollywood productions.