How film piracy shapes the soft power of Indian cinema in China? An exploratory study

Due to China’s restrictions on the number of imported films allowed in cinemas, Chinese viewers may increasingly turn to pirated films to access foreign content. In this context, this research proposes that pirated films could act as an important avenue for engaging Chinese audiences with foreign cinema, rather than relying solely on official distribution channels or film festivals, which are more common in other countries. While some Indian films have been released in China and performed well at the box office, the number of Indian films available in Chinese theatres remains limited in comparison to Hollywood productions. The study aims to explore how video piracy in China can positively impact the promotion of Indian cinema, which is often excluded from mainstream theatrical distribution. Additionally, the ongoing border tensions between India and China have hindered cultural diplomacy, making pirated Indian films one of the few means for Chinese audiences to gain insight into Indian culture. This study seeks to highlight how pirated Indian films in China can generate a form of soft power in the grey area, suggesting that a nation’s appeal in both cinema and culture can be influenced and promoted through the shadow economy operating outside copyright laws.