Striker has become the first Bollywood film to be premiered overseas on YouTube. The movie, produced by The Indian Film Company in association with Studio 18, hit screens on 5 February in India and released simultaneously on You Tube. The makers of the film insist that the free-of-charge release on the video sharing website aims to reach the audience in a cost-effective manner.

‘Striker’,is based on a true story about a carrom player from Mumbai’s ghettos.

The innovative step is seen as a way to promote films that are high on content but low on star value and don’t get a chance to release theatrically in overseas markets, said a statement from the producers. It is an attempt to reach a wider audience through online release and help curb piracy.

Set in 1980’s, the film has been directed by Chandan Arora, whose previous credits include ‘Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon’ and ‘Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh’ and stars Telugu superstar Siddharth, Anupam Kher, Aditya Panscholi and Vidya Malavade.

In the US, ‘Striker’ will be available for rent on YouTube while in other countries the film will be available for free on Studio18’s YouTube channel.