"Black Friday", the Bollywood film based on the 1993 serial blasts in Mumbai, got the thumbs up in India only last week, but pirated copies of it have been a complete sell out in this city for months.

The sales of pirated DVDs and VCDs peaked following the official release of the film in India on February 9, a city-based dealer informed.

The release of "Black Friday" -- which centres around the blasts which ripped the Indian metropolis killing over 250 and injuring 700 in March 1993 -- was delayed by two years as it could prejudice the trials of the accused.

However, as the 13-year trial finally ended September last, with the judge finding 100 of the 123 defendants guilty, the film was finally released last week.

Salman Ahmed, a shopkeeper at one of the biggest markets of pirated movies and music said, "We got the pirated prints a few months ago, but sold it only to a select few as as it was a controversial film and we didn't want trouble from authorities."

"However, after the release in India there is a huge demand for the film. People want to know what the film is about," he said.

Another shopkeeper said, the release in India had generated fresh interest in the film.

Karachi is the hub of pirated movies and Indian releases usually mean big business for shopkeepers.