Zoya Akhtar: Digital cinema package isn't the answer to piracy

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has spoken out against the new format of movie submissions introduced by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to curb piracy

Zoya Akhtar has spoken out against the new format of movie submissions introduced by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to curb piracy. CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani recently made it mandatory for films to be submitted in an encrypted form — DCP or digital cinema package, which is password-protected and time-coded following back-to-back leak of films pre-release. While one producers' body welcomed the move, another raised alarm over the "expensive" option (as reported 'IMPPA slams Censor Board over DCP', in hitlist on August 12).

Also read: IMPPA slams Censor Board over DCP

Zoya Akhtar

During a media interaction, Zoya said, "It can be costly for small time and regional producers, but I don't know the money part of it. However, DCP isn't the answer to piracy. Many a time, films get leaked during post production stage; the studio staff gets paid to do so. So, what we need are strict laws to curb piracy. Also, there should be more screens and low ticket pricing."

The filmmaker says offenders should get exemplary punishment. "The government should treat piracy as a non-bailable offence. That's how the industry will grow, and not the business of bootleggers."

Zoya also talked about starting her own production house. "I am a writer-director, so beyond a point, I need to own my work to be able to sustain. We are like freelancers and it is better to have another production house. I will co-produce my next with Farhan (Akhtar, brother) and Ritesh (Sidhwani). I am co-writing it with Reema (Kagti)," she adds.

Zoya admits there are no plans to make a sequel to her last directorial venture, Dil Dahdakne Do. She is also not ready to talk about her next film, Gully Boys, with Ranveer Singh. She, in fact, says the casting is yet to be done. "As far as Ranveer goes, we would be happy to work together."

Is a collaboration with Ranbir Kapoor on the cards too? "We have to been talking about a film for a while, but I can't tell you more. Hopefully, at some point, we will work together. I am keen to work with him," she says.

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