Desh Drohi - Controversial movie

Singapore : Last minute controversies regarding the release of the epic movie ‘Deshdrohi’ might mean that it makes it into the coveted list of ‘Pirated Movies’. In some dramatic developments yesterday, the movie was banned in Maharashtra yesterday, which suddenly opened up a potential niche space in the crowded pirated movie space. “Normally, we would not touch this movie with a barge pole”, said Jack Sparrow (name changed), a senior official, in the murky Pirated CD Corporation. “But these developments might actually make it worthwhile to create pirated copies of this movie”, he said.

“Contrary to public perception, the pirated CD industry is extremely well organised & we follow the highest standards of corporate governance & social responsibility. After all, we do not have the luxury of charging exorbitant ticket rates like multiplexes or making money by selling samosas & colas. Whether it is a hit or a dud, I cannot charge more than Rs 10 at the footpath”, he added.

“We have a robust system of analysing potential earnings from pirated Bollywood releases. In fact, we have a lot of ex-Lehman Brothers employees who are skilled at this kind of financial modelling. We did not even bother pirating ‘Drona’ or ‘Kidnap’ as that would have been a bad investment for us. But we hope to make some quick bucks off this one”, said the CFO of Pirated CD. “But our competitors – executives who download movies at work – have no scruples, they will download any piece of junk for free. If you ask me, these guys are the real criminals, as they dont even pay a single dollar to anyone”, he added in an exasperated tone.

With the sudden controversy regarding this movie,interest has picked up. In fact, Utopia has learnt that there is a confirmed bulk order of pirated CDs of ‘Deshdrohi’, from a local political organisation, who intend to distribute it among its followers.

Industry insiders say that getting a movie banned is one of the most difficult things to pull off. “Only very big movies such as Fanaa & Jodha Akbar have managed to get themselves banned and that too by spending big bucks”, said Prof Omprakash, an expert on Bollywood Marketing. The producer & hero of the movie – the original Desh Drohi -  who inspired the movie and also acts in & as ‘Deshdrohi’ was not available for comments.

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