section_path: Piracy
section_name: Piracy
paragraph_text: Piracy
  
  Shortly after its theatrical release on 27 March 2025, a pirated copy of Empuraan began circulating on notorious websites and Telegram groups, prompting swift action from the film's team. The Kerala Film Producers' Association intensified its anti-piracy efforts in response to the leak of high-definition (HD) prints of the film. In a press release, the association announced the appointment of ethical hackers to monitor and track piracy activities using advanced digital tracking tools, with a focus on identifying individuals downloading pirated versions. The association also urged the government to establish a special team to enforce copyright laws and address the growing issue of illegal distribution of theatrical and HD prints of new releases. Antony Perumbavoor, the film's producer, filed a complaint with the Kerala cyber police, which subsequently launched an investigation into the unauthorised online distribution. Filmmakers highlighted piracy as a significant concern, particularly for pan-Indian and global releases like Empuraan.
  
  In a related development, on 2 April 2025, Kerala police sealed an internet cafe in Pappinisseri, Kannur, after discovering it was involved in downloading and distributing a pirated version of the movie. The operation followed a tip-off received by the social media monitoring cell of Kannur City Police, leading to a joint investigation by local police and the cyber cell that uncovered the pirated file. The café was shut down, and authorities indicated that a case would be registered, though no arrests were reported at the time.
  
  Shortly after its theatrical release on 27 March 2025, a pirated copy of Empuraan began circulating on notorious websites and Telegram groups, prompting swift action from the film's team. The Kerala Film Producers' Association intensified its anti-piracy efforts in response to the leak of high-definition (HD) prints of the film. In a press release, the association announced the appointment of ethical hackers to monitor and track piracy activities using advanced digital tracking tools, with a focus on identifying individuals downloading pirated versions. The association also urged the government to establish a special team to enforce copyright laws and address the growing issue of illegal distribution of theatrical and HD prints of new releases. Antony Perumbavoor, the film's producer, filed a complaint with the Kerala cyber police, which subsequently launched an investigation into the unauthorised online distribution. Filmmakers highlighted piracy as a significant concern, particularly for pan-Indian and global releases like Empuraan.
  
  In a related development, on 2 April 2025, Kerala police sealed an internet cafe in Pappinisseri, Kannur, after discovering it was involved in downloading and distributing a pirated version of the movie. The operation followed a tip-off received by the social media monitoring cell of Kannur City Police, leading to a joint investigation by local police and the cyber cell that uncovered the pirated file. The café was shut down, and authorities indicated that a case would be registered, though no arrests were reported at the time.