The 80-minute documentary, made by Fahad Mustafa and Deepti Kakkar, presents the problem of power theft in Kanpur.
"It took us two years to make it and eight more months to bring it to audiences in India. It has been broadcast in European countries and shown in theatres in places like Italy and Britain. It will be on US TV in November," Mustafa told IANS at the film's screening.
"Katiyabaaz", which was made keeping the Indian audience in mind, will be released in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kanpur and Lucknow Aug 22.
The screening was also attended by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, co-owner of production banner Phantom Films, which is presenting the film.
The film has won the coveted national award for Best Investigative Film.