Akhil Akkineni’s much-anticipated action thriller Agent has finally hit the big screens today, drawing massive crowds across Telugu-speaking states. However, celebrations were marred by reports of the movie being leaked online within hours of its theatrical release, sparking outrage among fans and industry professionals.
The film, which marks a significant shift in Akhil’s career toward intense, high-octane roles, has received mixed-to-positive responses from both critics and audiences. His portrayal of a rogue agent entangled in a global conspiracy has been widely praised, with many noting it as his most mature performance yet.
Social media platforms were flooded with hashtags like #AgentBlockbuster and #AkhilAkkineni, as fans shared snippets from the film and expressed admiration for its stylized action, visuals, and direction.
“This is the Akhil we were waiting for. He’s completely transformed himself for this role,” tweeted a fan.
Despite the positive buzz, the joy was short-lived. Multiple pirated versions of Agent surfaced online by afternoon, available across several torrent sites and messaging platforms. Producers and film associations quickly condemned the piracy, urging the public to support cinema by watching films legally in theatres.
The production house issued a strong statement:
“We are deeply hurt by the illegal leak of our film Agent. We are working closely with cybercrime officials to take down pirated content and ensure legal action against offenders. We urge fans to support the movie only through authorized channels.”
Cybercrime officials have reportedly started tracking IPs linked to the original leak, and several takedown notices have already been issued to popular file-sharing sites.
Agent, directed by Surender Reddy and featuring music by Hiphop Tamizha, also stars Malayalam actor Mammootty in a powerful supporting role. The film blends espionage with emotional depth and marks one of the biggest releases of Akhil’s career so far.
Film analysts believe that the box office numbers might still remain strong despite the leak, owing to the pre-release hype and the actor’s rising popularity.
As the industry continues its fight against piracy, fans are once again reminded that every ticket bought legally helps safeguard the future of Indian cinema.
