‘Krantijyoti Vidyalaya’ Team Warns Schools Over Illegal Screenings; Netizens Express Anger

As the production and success of Krantijyoti Vidyalaya Marathi Medium unfolds, netizens have voiced frustration over unauthorized screenings of the film in schools, accusing some institutions of undermining the hard work of the film team.Directed by Hemant Dhome, the film has garnered a strong audience response and collected over ₹20 crore at the box office. While theaters are reporting housefull shows, some schools have been reportedly screening illegal copies of the film to students. Labeling this as piracy, the Krantijyoti Vidyalaya team has issued stern warnings, cautioning that legal action will be taken against the organizations or individuals involved.

Production Team’s Statement:

“Legal instructions for all schools: Chalachitra Mandali holds the sole copyright of ‘Krantijyoti Vidyalaya Marathi Medium.’ The film is currently running successfully in theaters. However, it has come to our attention that some individuals and organizations are screening the film in schools using unauthorized copies without official permission. We have not authorized any public or educational institution screenings.”“Strict legal action will be initiated against any entity/person violating copyright laws under the Copyright Act, 1957, Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000,” the statement added.

The team further invited organizations interested in legal screenings to contact them directly. They also announced an upcoming concessional program titled ‘Marathi School Week’ to facilitate authorized screenings and urged everyone to cooperate and follow the rules.

Netizens React:

Social media users expressed strong opinions in support of the film team. One user wrote,
“Even if the film’s subject is about schools, it’s a crime to show it illegally. How can the team’s hard work be given away for free?”Another commented, “The film’s main purpose is to protect and promote Marathi schools and language.

While schools and colleges may have good intentions, unauthorized screenings are legally wrong. Piracy of any film is a serious offense. Perhaps schools are unaware of the consequences and are doing this unknowingly.”The controversy underscores the ongoing challenges filmmakers face in protecting their creative work while reaching audiences, especially in educational settings.