Director of Ajayante Randam Moshanam shares video of man watching pirated version of film in train

Palakkad: The Malayalam film ‘ARM’ (Ajayante Randam Moshanam), currently enjoying a successful run in theatres, is facing a new threat: piracy. The director of the film, Jithin Lal, has reported with deep concern that a counterfeit version of the movie has been released online. Lal shared a video on Facebook showing an individual watching ‘ARM’ on a mobile phone while travelling on a train, using Bluetooth headphones and sipping tea.

‘ARM’, which was released as a 3D film for this year's Onam celebrations, features Tovino Thomas in three distinct roles. The film has received positive audience reception, but the emergence of its pirated version poses a significant challenge. Lal expressed his distress over the situation, describing the sight of someone illegally viewing the film on a mobile phone as heartbreaking.

Reacting to the filmmaker’s post, several people highlighted the inefficacy of current measures against piracy and urged for stricter legal frameworks. They noted that despite the presence of CCTV cameras in theatres, the perpetrators of such piracy are rarely apprehended. The comments reflected the concerns of the industry with the ineffective enforcement of anti-piracy laws.

Supporting Jithin Lal, movie lovers highlighted the challenge of capturing and prosecuting those who illegally record and distribute films. Some have expressed disbelief over the ease with which these crimes are committed, even in modern cinema settings.

The film ‘ARM’ features Tovino Thomas in three roles: Maniyan, Kunjikkelu, and Ajayan. Produced by Magic Frames in association with UGM Motion Pictures, the 3D film has been released in five languages. The screenplay is written by Sujith Nambiar, with Surabhi Lakshmi, Krithi Shetty, and Aishwarya Rajesh starring alongside Thomas. The cast also includes Basil Joseph, Jagadeesh, Harish Uthaman, Kabir Singh, Pramod Shetty, and Rohini in key roles.