"Udta Punjab" leaked online, celebs urge to watch it only in theatres

Mumbai: The controversial film "Udta Punjab" was leaked online on Wednesday, two days ahead of its scheduled release in theatres. The Abhishek Chaubey directorial -- which has been in news for the makers' run-in with the censor board -- was available on torrent websites for illegal download.

However, soon the download links were "removed due to a copyright complaint".

Visibly upset with the online leaks, Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, lead actors of the film, among other celebrities from Bollywood have urged their fans not to waste two years of their hard work by watching the pirated version of the film and instead watch it only in the theatres.

"Guys please please do not waste two years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears... Please watch 'Udta Punjab' only in theatres," Alia tweeted.

Shahid, who will be seen playing a rockstar named Tommy Singh in the film, shared: "Blood and sweat of many in this film. It's been your battle as much as ours. Now is the time you can show it. Watch 'Udta Punjab' in theatres."

Bollywood celebrities including Karan Johar, Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Sonakshi Sinha requested people to head to the theatres to watch "Udta Punjab", based on drug abuse in the Indian state of Punjab.

Here's what tinsel town celebrities had to say:

Karan Johar: Please watch 'Udta Punjab' in the cinema this weekend! Don't succumb to online leaks! An honest film needs an honest audience. Let it fly.

Varun Dhawan: A big 'Dishoom' to the pirates. Go watch 'Udta Punjab' only in the theatre.

Arjun Kapoor: Viruses in the 'Udta Punjab' online leaked links that crashes systems! What a way to fight this disgusting menace! Piracy di maa di.

Sonakshi Sinha: Shocking how 'Udta Punjab' has been leaked online. That too a censor copy. A lot of hard work goes into making a film pls say no to piracy!

Sidharth Malhotra: Movie theatres are filled with dreams and entertainment, don't kill them! Say no to piracy!

Shraddha Kapoor: Films are made with the hard work and passion of everyone involved in creating them. Please don't support piracy.

Goldie Behl: Unfortunately it takes 'Udta Punjab' leaked for Bollywood to speak up (on) anti-piracy. Hope we to stop pirating international content Piracy di maa di.

Huma Qureshi: Common guys support good cinema! Piracy di maa di 'Udta Punjab'.

Raftaar: 'Udta Punjab' leaked 'Udta Punjab' only in theatres. The movie has a good cause. Support karo.

Badshah: People, watch 'Udta Punjab' in theatres please that will be our way of rewarding these hardworking people. 'Udta Punjab' leaked.

Anubhav Sinha: Hearing of the film leak. I am depressed. Imagine people who are so heavily invested. Physically, emotionally, financially. Don't do this

Harshvardhan Kapoor: Please go watch 'Udta Punjab' in cinemas with the Dolby Atmos mix and in its 4K presentation. It makes a difference.

Guneet Monga: 'Udta Punjab' only in theatre! I pledge!