In what could become the biggest piracy-related insurance claim in Bollywood history, Sajid Nadiadwala’s production house, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (NGEPL), is reportedly preparing to seek a staggering ₹91 crore in damages for revenue lost due to the online leak of their latest action blockbuster Sikandar, starring Salman Khan.
The action follows a review done by Ernst & Young (EnY), which estimated the leak has caused the financial damage of about ₹91 crore. If NGEPL proceeds with the claim, it could be a watershed moment in the Indian film industry approach to digital piracy, treating it as a financial threat, not simply a legal issue.
The Leak That Shook Bollywood
Sikandar hit the big screen with high expectations, collecting ₹27.5 crore on its opening day. However, its theatrical journey was marred by a leak that occurred within hours of release and, in some cases, even before the film officially opened in theatres.
According to sources close to the production, pirated versions of Sikandar were discovered on various platforms including Telegram, Tamilrockers, Movierulz, and Filmyzilla. The leak wasn’t limited to a standard camrip. It included deleted scenes, raw edits, and unfinished sound design, strongly indicating that the pirated copy originated after the film had received its CBFC clearance.
“This wasn’t a small breach. It was a full-blown version with extended sequences, missing background scores, and even different songs,” said a source familiar with the audit. “This clearly suggests the leak happened post-censorship, pointing to an insider involvement.”
Deleted Scenes and Telltale Signs
The pirated print of Sikandar reportedly featured several key sequences that did not make it to the final theatrical cut. Among them were:
• A flashback where Sikandar meets medical students in Dharavi
• A longer sequence showing Kamaruddin collapsing due to lung disease
• A montage of Sikandar’s personal crises, including Vaidehi (Kajal Aggarwal) leaving her home and Nisha (Anjini Dhawan) falling sick
• A deleted suicide attempt scene by Vaidehi
• An extended cab sequence involving vadams
In terms of music, fans also noticed differences. While the theatrical release version included Iulia Vantur singing Lag Ja Gale, the pirated version included the original 1964 song. Similarly, Salman Khan’s cover of Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh, which was placed later on in the post-production phase, wasn’t present in the pirated version.
The Financial Fallout
In spite of a promising beginning and significant buzz, Sikandar finished its box office run at ₹103.45 crore. Industry players believe the number could have been much larger without the piracy issue. The reported by EnY used a combination of tools to determine the loss of ₹91 crore:
• Comparative Modelling: Forecasting based on pre-releases anticipation and expected occupancy
• Digital Tracing: Forensic investigation of piracy networks and downloads streaming
• Market Benchmarking: By region declines in earnings after leak
• Data Gathering: Data from ticketing websites and distributor data
The report combined these statistics to quantify illegal downloads as box office loss. It is a complex but increasingly necessary method in today’s digital-first entertainment world.
Insurance: The New Safety Net for Studios
A source from within the trade circles clarified that NGEPL has not yet filed the insurance claim. “There have been internal discussions and assessments, but as of now, nothing has been formally filed,” they noted.
However, if the claim does go through, it would signal a significant shift in how Bollywood handles piracy. It would move beyond criminal charges and copyright battles to treating piracy as a financial and insurable business risk.
“Studios are now beginning to look at piracy through the lens of cyber risk and insurance,” explained a digital distribution expert. “This is no longer just about ethics or law enforcement. It’s about protecting investments in an unpredictable digital landscape.”
A Wake-Up Call for the Industry?
The Sikandar case could become a milestone for Bollywood’s approach to digital rights protection. Until now, most responses to piracy have involved takedown notices and legal action, which are often too little, too late. With insurance stepping into the picture, studios may start allocating resources toward advanced risk management and pre-emptive cybersecurity.
NGEPL and Sajid Nadiadwala have yet to make an official statement regarding the potential claim or the findings of the piracy audit. But industry watchers agree that whether or not the ₹91 crore claim goes forward, the message is clear. Bollywood can no longer afford to ignore the growing threat of piracy in an increasingly online world.