Kochi: The Crime Branch will investigate the case where a pirated copy of the new Malayalam movie 'Vellam' was downloaded and circulated through social media. A pirated copy of the movie is widely shared through Telegram app. The action was taken on a complaint filed by the movie producer Ranjith Manambrakkattu.

Jayasurya starrer 'Vellam' directed by Prajesh Sen is currently being screened in theatres. The movie was produced by Josekutty Madathil, Ranjith Manambrakkattu and Yadhu Krishna under the banner of Friendly Productions.

The movie was circulated through various media like YouTube and Telegram. The police charged a case against those who pirated the movie. Meanwhile, it was found out that a firm in Kaloor downloaded and screened the movie on February 6.

The producers filed a complaint with Ernakulam North Police along with videos of the unauthorised screening. The movie crew struggled a lot to release the movie through theatres in order to overcome the COVID crisis.

The movie is being screened in over 180 theatres successfully. It was then a large number of youngsters trying to spread the pirated copy causing loss to the movie makers.