With piracy at the movies reaching an all-time high, the move to schedule early fan previews for Kesari Chapter 2—two days before its release—has been controversial. Recent events, such as the HD leak of Sikandar one day before release, point to the susceptibility of even the most closed screenings.
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Despite PR teams and security, the material always manages to find its way to torrents and Telegram channels, resulting in huge money and reputation losses for directors.
Early releases are meant to treat die-hard fans and create good word-of-mouth, but they also invite leaks. In the digital era, a single phone is capable of filming and sharing a movie across the globe within minutes.
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The risk is particularly high for a large-scale film like Kesari Chapter 2, where box office collection is paramount. Piracy not only digs into theatrical collections but also impacts streaming and satellite rights, adding to the losses.
On the other hand, if handled correctly, early screenings can generate a wave of word-of-mouth publicity. Sold-out performances and rave fan responses can drive advance sales and generate hype. The trick is in rigid security measures and faith in the fan base.
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In the end, the producers of Kesari Chapter 2 are making a calculated gamble. Whether this risky move pays off or backfires will be closely observed by the entire industry, possibly influencing future release strategies in the era of rampant piracy.
