MUMBAI: Percept Picture Company (PPC) has embarked upon a new journey to combat piracy, the biggest threat facing the global entertainment industry.

Pirates will be the first-ever film made on this subject and Percept will attempt to unite the entire industry to support this cause, making it an industry initiative.

Pirates is an entertaining racy crime thriller that takes one behind the scenes on the murky world of piracy exposing the nexus of the trade. The film would also highlight the trials and tribulations of a filmmaker and his personal attempt to stop the deadly act.

The visual treatment of the film would be realistic and investigative in nature and will be mostly shot at real locations. The film will be showcased at prominent international film festivals to create global awareness and garner support.

The film will be directed by Ashu Trikha, known for his critically-acclaimed film Baabarr. Trikha also directed films such as Deewanapan (2001), a thriller titled Sheesha (2005) and a sci-fi film Alag (2006).

Said Percept Ltd. Jt. MD Shailendra Singh, "Percept has always recognised the power that cinema has, in making a social difference. We were pioneers in Cause Cinema, through our film Phir Milenge made in 2004 that addressed AIDS. I strongly believe that Pirates would provide an ideal vehicle to create consumer awareness through the medium of entertainment."

Increasing piracy of films, television, music and video games content has led to the loss of Rs 160 billion each year and 820,000 jobs afflicting India‘s entertainment industry, according to a report by Ernst & Young.