Bollywood movie 'Newton', slated for Oscars 2018 entry, is the most recent victim of online piracy as it has been leaked for online viewing and free download within 24 hours of its official release.
Several torrent sites are now carrying download links for both the general and HD versions of the movie while the movie can also be streamed online on many of these sites.
People in social media are already sharing the HD video of full movie and watching the pirated version. Positive reviews from critics and viewers have given the film the required initial push with many people interested in watching the movie 'Newton' but the piracy may offset the box-office earnings if not curbed.
Here is the trailer of the film 'Newton'.
Previously, movies like Udta Punjab, Toilet, Daddy, and several others have suffered due to online leaks and pirated torrent sites. The option of watching the full movie for free makes the audience reluctant to spend money on tickets.
Based on the life of an Indian Government official posted on election duty at a forest town with visible control by Maoist rebels in Chattisgarh, 'Newton' features Rajkummar Rao, Anjali Patil, and Raghubir Yadav.
The film is also India's official entry for the Oscars of 2018. The Oscars buzz might be urging people to check out Newton in theatres, thwarting piracy to an extent. The movie showed remarkable prospects in box-office collections, earning INR 69 million on its third day.
Apart from an Oscar nomination, Newton has several achievements in its kitty. It has already won a few international awards at events such as the 67th Berlin International Film Festival, CICAE Forum, and Hong Kong International Film Festival.
The 90th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 4, 2018, where Newton may get an opportunity to outshine expected contenders like Dunkirk, Lady Bird, Darkest Hour, and Call Me by Your Name. In the last few years, India's performance at the Oscars has been dismal, with films like Eklavya, Barfi!, and Good Road failing to impress the jury. Indians are hoping that this year's outcome would be different.
