Ram Gopal Varma has ignited a fresh debate regarding film piracy by proposing a radical solution: criminalizing the viewer. The director took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his views on the matter. Varma argues that piracy is fundamentally a demand-driven issue, pointing fingers at both distributors and consumers of pirated content.

Varma stated that simply penalizing those who distribute pirated movies isn't enough. He suggests extending criminal liability to the viewers themselves. According to Varma, tracking viewers is much easier than catching pirates, who often operate behind digital veils. He proposed arresting a hundred random individuals caught watching pirated films and publicly naming them to send a strong message.

He also addressed the common justification that cinema-going is too expensive, which some use to excuse piracy. Varma sarcastically suggested that if this logic were accepted, people should also advocate robbing BMW showrooms to distribute luxury cars for free. He cautioned that such thinking threatens societal order, stating that it could lead to social collapse and anarchy. He believes the primary reason people consume pirated content isn't a moral revolution but convenience.

Varma challenged the romanticized comparison of pirates to Robin Hood, stating that Robin Hood isn't a hero by today's standards and is arguably the world's first recorded terrorist. He argued that equating financial success with a crime punishable by theft and murder is a deeply flawed mindset. He believes it takes immense ignorance to glorify a criminal just because the stolen goods benefit the poor.

Varma highlighted the widespread nature of piracy, noting that even many within the film industry watch pirated movies to save money and time. He emphasized that piracy won't end because millions are eager to watch pirated films, ensuring a constant supply.