The highly anticipated action-thriller "The Devil," which hit theaters on December 11, 2025, has found itself at the center of a massive piracy onslaught. In an unprecedented move for the Kannada film industry, the production house announced that they have identified and disabled more than 10,500 illegal streaming and download links to safeguard the film’s commercial interests.
A Historic Digital Crackdown
According to official statements from the film team, the scale of piracy for "The Devil" is unlike anything seen before in regional cinema. The technical team has been working around the clock since the movie's release to track down high-definition (HD) prints circulating on social media platforms, Telegram channels, and unauthorized websites.
"Piracy is a virus that kills cinema. We are still at war. As of today, we have successfully deleted over 10,500 piracy links. We appeal to the public: please do not support piracy; watch the film only in theaters," the team shared in a recent social media post.
Challenges Facing the Film
The digital leak occurred just a day after the theatrical release, significantly threatening the film's box office momentum. This challenge comes at a sensitive time for the production, as the lead actor, Darshan, remains in judicial custody related to the Renukaswamy case.
Despite the lack of conventional star-led promotions, the film saw a strong opening, grossing an estimated ₹25–35 crore in its first week. However, the film team notes that the sheer volume of leaked links has created a hurdle for sustained collections.
Key Facts About "The Devil" (2025)
- Release Date: December 11, 2025
- Lead Cast: Darshan Thoogudeepa, Rachana Rai, Mahesh Manjrekar
- Director: Prakash Veer (Milana Prakash)
- Digital Status: Currently, the film has no official OTT or satellite partners listed, making theatrical viewing the only legal way to watch it.
How to Help
Fans and moviegoers are encouraged to report any pirated links they encounter to the official BESCOM or production handles. Supporting films in theaters ensures the livelihood of thousands of workers in the Sandalwood industry.
