Dublin, Ohio—Within 48 hours of Prabhas' horror-comedy film "Raja Saab" hitting theaters across India on January 9, 2026, a shocking incident unfolded thousands of miles away in the United States. A North Indian restaurant in Dublin, Ohio allegedly screened a pirated version of the film to its diners, triggering widespread outrage across the Telugu film industry and the Indian diaspora community.
The incident came to light when an Instagram page catering to the NRI community shared a video showing the film being played on a television screen inside the restaurant. Though the original post was later deleted, clips from the screening went viral on social media, sparking sharp backlash from fans, industry insiders, and piracy watchdogs who viewed the public screening as a blatant copyright violation during a crucial box office window.
Key Facts
• The pirated screening occurred barely 48 hours after "Raja Saab's" theatrical release on January 9, 2026, highlighting how rapidly digital piracy networks operate across international borders.
• Industry sources estimate that piracy continues to inflict significant financial losses on the film industry, with leaked copies circulating across multiple illegal websites within hours of release.
• Following the incident, Telangana cybercrime authorities intensified their crackdown on digital piracy networks, including tracking operators of illegal platforms such as 5movierulz and 1tamilmv, believed to be operating from Sri Lanka.
What started as a routine restaurant screening became a watershed moment for the Indian film industry's fight against piracy. The video footage showed the horror-comedy being openly displayed on a television set, a brazen act that drew condemnation from both casual fans and serious cinephiles who recognized the implications for box office revenue and creative compensation.
Many within the diaspora community were stunned by how audaciously the pirated content was being distributed. One social media user commented,
while another added,
The broader implications extend far beyond a single restaurant screening. Piracy represents a systemic challenge to the entire ecosystem that sustains big-budget cinema in India.
When films leak online within hours of release and are screened publicly across different countries, the revenue streams that compensate directors, cinematographers, actors, and crew members are severely compromised.
Director Maruthi, who helmed "Raja Saab," had high expectations for the film during the lucrative Pongal festival period. However, the film not only faced piracy issues but also mixed reviews, chaotic premiere screenings in Hyderabad theaters, screen allocation controversies, and even allegations of attempted bribery to remove negative online reviews—painting a tumultuous picture for what was envisioned as a major Sankranti release.
The incident has reignited conversations around the urgent need for stricter anti-piracy laws and stronger international cooperation. Industry sources emphasized that without tougher enforcement mechanisms, such leaks will continue to threaten box office revenues and undermine the creative ecosystem.
Cybercrime authorities in Hyderabad have launched investigations to trace the source of the leak and identify those responsible for distributing the pirated content. The makers of "Raja Saab" promptly approached cybercrime authorities after discovering that pirated copies were circulating across multiple illegal websites.
As the investigation unfolds, the film industry awaits concrete action. The stakes are high: if piracy networks continue to operate with impunity, both established stars like Prabhas and emerging filmmakers will face mounting pressure to protect their creative investments in an increasingly connected but less regulated digital landscape.
— Director Maruthi, addressing the backlash against "Raja Saab."
The outrage over the Dublin restaurant screening signals a turning point. Fans and industry stakeholders are demanding stronger enforcement, international cooperation between countries to shut down piracy networks, and stricter penalties for those who distribute or publicly screen pirated content.
The coming weeks will reveal whether authorities can deliver results that deter future incidents.
Do You Know?
Following the recent arrest of Ravi Immadi, alleged founder of the piracy website iBomma, Telangana cybercrime authorities are now tracking multiple other piracy portals operating from overseas locations, demonstrating the complex international nature of digital piracy networks that often span countries across Asia.
Key Terms
• Piracy: The unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or public screening of copyrighted films without permission or payment to creators and rights holders.
• NRI Community: Non-Resident Indians living abroad who maintain cultural connections to India through media, food, and entertainment, often serving as target audiences for Indian films.
• Digital Piracy Networks: Illegal websites and platforms that host and distribute copyrighted content online without authorization, operated both within India and from overseas locations.
• Box Office Revenue: The total income generated from ticket sales at theaters during a film's theatrical release period, which is crucial for determining a film's commercial success.
Asia91 Original