: While sites like ExtraMovies are illegal, users often turn to them not just for cost, but for the convenience of finding fragmented content (from Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar) in a single location. Why Piracy Persists Despite Legal Options
(PDF) Impact of Online Digital Piracy on the Indian Film Industry
Piracy remains a "unshakeable shadow" over the Indian film industry, which is the world's leader in online video piracy visits. In 2023 alone, the Indian entertainment sector suffered an estimated (approx. $2.7 billion USD) in revenue losses due to illicit distribution. : While sites like ExtraMovies are illegal, users
: Roughly 51% of Indian consumers admit to accessing pirated content, with the highest usage among the 19–34 age group.
The growth of digital piracy in India, which rose by during the 2020 pandemic, is fueled by a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors: : Of the total losses, INR 13,700 crore
: Piracy networks exploit "windowing"—the gap between a theatrical release and its legal digital debut—often leaking films a day before their official release.
: Of the total losses, INR 13,700 crore stem from theatrical leaks, while INR 8,700 crore is attributed to pirated OTT (Over-the-Top) streaming content. : Of the total losses
: India is a highly price-sensitive market. High ticket prices and the need for multiple expensive subscriptions push users toward free alternatives.