The Indian film industry has been grappling with the issue of piracy for a long time. Despite efforts by celebrities and technicians to create awareness about the negative impact of piracy, it continues to cause financial losses to the industry. The government has recognized the severity of the problem and has taken steps to address it by revising the Cinematograph Act of 1952.
Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, announced the approval of the Cinematograph Amendment Bill of 2023 in a recent Union Cabinet meeting. He emphasized that piracy not only affects Indian films but also has worldwide effects. He pointed out that making a film is a collaborative effort that involves the hard work of a team and that piracy undermines the efforts of everyone involved.
Thakur also highlighted the importance of films in showcasing India’s culture, traditions, literature, and storytelling to the world. The film industry is a major contributor to the country’s economy, and piracy has caused crores worth of losses. The new Cinematograph Amendment Bill of 2023 aims to adopt the world’s best practices to eradicate piracy.
During the meeting, Thakur mentioned two Academy Award-winning films, The Elephant Whisperers and RRR’s Naatu Naatu, to emphasize the importance of protecting intellectual property in the film industry. The new amendment will benefit everyone involved in the film industry, including technicians, actors, and stakeholders.
The revision of the Cinematograph Act is a significant step in the fight against piracy in the film industry. With the implementation of the new Cinematograph Amendment Bill of 2023, the Indian film industry can look forward to better protection of its intellectual property and a more secure future.