The much-awaited Pushpa 2, was released in theaters on December 5, 2024. However, within hours of its release, the film was leaked online, making it available for free download on various piracy websites. This leak includes HD versions of the film, available in different resolutions, from low-quality 240p to high-definition 1080p.
This leak has caused concern among the filmmakers and fans of the film, as it poses a serious threat to its box office performance. Piracy has been a long-standing issue for the film industry, and with the immediate availability of pirated versions online, many potential viewers may choose to watch the film illegally instead of purchasing a ticket.
This could reduce the movie's earnings, which are crucial for its commercial success.
Pushpa 2 has already been facing some challenges due to the recent hike in ticket prices. The film's ticket prices have been set at the highest rate ever for a South Indian film, which has stirred up some controversy. While some people, including the film's star Allu Arjun, have supported the price hike, many others, particularly local moviegoers, have expressed dissatisfaction with the increased costs.
The decision to raise ticket prices was backed by political leaders in Andhra Pradesh, with Allu Arjun thanking Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan for their support. He described the hike as a “progressive decision” that would help the growth of the Telugu film industry.
Despite the controversy over ticket prices, Pushpa 2 has performed very well in advance bookings. It has already earned an estimated Rs 100 crore in advance ticket sales, which puts it in the same category as some of the highest-grossing films of recent years, like Baahubali 2, RRR, KGF Chapter 2, Leo, and Kalki 2898 AD. This impressive early achievement shows the film's strong demand and the excitement surrounding its release.
However, the online leak threatens to impact the film’s earnings, especially after its major price hike. Fans of the franchise and movie industry experts are worried that pirated copies of the film could make viewers reluctant to pay the high ticket prices. With piracy affecting films globally, the makers of Pushpa 2 and other filmmakers are increasingly pushing for stronger actions against illegal downloading and distribution to protect their financial interests.
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