'Fifty Shades of Grey' Torrent Sets New Internet Record: Will it Affect the Film?

Much awaited movie "Fifty Shades of Grey" was allegedly leaked on the internet immediately a day after its release and downloads of its pirated version is in full swing.

The movie hit screens on 13 February, Friday, and miscreants released it on various torrent sites by Saturday night, reported Variety citing piracy-watching firm Excipio GmbH.

The pirated version of the erotic thriller is apparently being made in theatres with a handheld camera and has created a new torrent record.

As of 15 February, Sunday, the pirated version of  "Fifty Shades of Grey" has been downloaded more than 453,109 times, sky-rocketing its popularity.  

The report also stated that countries, including the US, UK, India and Philippines, are in the top list of down-loaders with 44896, 33839, 19298 and 16952 downloads, respectively.

Meanwhile, several entertainment sites have cited banning of Universal Pictures' erotic drama by many countries, such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya, China, as a reason for a record breaking illegal downloads.

However, Box Office reports indicated that the pirated version of "'Fifty Shades of Grey" has not yet affected the movie business.

The latest report by Box Office Mojo states that the erotic drama has earned $270 million worldwide, with an opening weekend earning of $85 million in US and $160 million in foreign Box Office.

"Fifty Shades of Grey", directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, is the film adaption of E. L. James' bestselling novel of the same name. The movie stars Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele, Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey, Marcia Gay Harden as Grace Trevelyan Grey and Jennifer Ehle as Carla Wilks.