“Making films will become impossible.”
Three men have been arrested for allegedly pirating Taandob, the blockbuster film starring Shakib Khan, just days after its theatrical release.
An HD copy of the film appeared online, spreading rapidly on YouTube and other platforms.
In response, the film’s producer Shahriar Shakil acted quickly.
He filed a formal complaint under the Copyright Act at Banani Police Station in Dhaka.
Police launched an investigation immediately following the producer’s formal complaint.
The main suspect, Tipu Sultan, was arrested on June 18 in Maijdee, Noakhali.
Tipu has reportedly confessed to copying and distributing the pirated version.
Authorities say he will be transferred to Dhaka for legal proceedings under the Copyright Act.
Two others, Sadi Sad from Mymensingh and Sajedul Islam from Savar, have also been arrested. Police suspect all three may have cinema connections.
Shahriar Shakil filed the case at Banani Police Station. He demanded strict punishment and a deeper probe into the piracy network.
Taandob opened in more than a hundred cinemas across Bangladesh.
The film drew massive crowds and sold-out shows, especially at multiplexes.
In some theatres, screenings were increased several times to meet demand.
Still, some viewers complained they couldn’t get tickets due to high turnout.
The film’s success made the piracy even more damaging, according to the production team. Shakil believes the leak could hurt the film’s overall revenue.
He voiced frustration that his previous film, Borbaad, was also pirated but no legal action was taken then, which he now sees as a mistake.
Shahriar said filmmakers face many struggles. He called piracy the biggest threat to cinema in Bangladesh.
He said:
“We don’t just make movies to entertain. There’s a business side too, and piracy endangers that completely.”
Shahriar praised the swift response from the Detective Branch but urged further investigation. He wants to know how the HD copy reached the accused.
Shahriar added that unless the piracy network is dismantled, future productions may not survive.
He warned: “Making films will become impossible.”
Police are continuing their investigation into how the leak happened.
The arrests have sparked serious discussion in the film industry about piracy enforcement.
As of now, the suspects remain in custody. Authorities say more arrests could follow depending on what the ongoing probe reveals.
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