Mumbai: One of the much-awaited movies of the year-Pathaan- released on Wednesday amid heightened craze among Shah Rukh Khan fans.

Khan urged people to watch the movie and tweeted: " Now need to go and have lunch with family. Once again thank u and see u at the movies. Hall ki kursi par peti mat baandhna….just enjoy karna…it’s safe and exciting!! Love u all. #Pathaan."

Lead actress Deepika Padukone wrote: "Experience #Pathaan in @IMAX Wednesday, 25th January onwards!"

Meanwhile, a day ahead of the release of Pathaan, the Shah Rukh Khan starrer film appears to have been illegally released online.

Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, is scheduled to release in over 100 countries on Wednesday.

The film, which marks a comeback for Khan, is set for a bumper opening with record advance bookings, selling over 5 lakh tickets on its first day.

However, the film is already available on two websites called Filmyzilla and Filmy4wap, Times Now reported.

One website describes its version as a "camrip" and the other as a "pre-DVD rip."

Pathaan producers Yash Raj Films have urged fans to watch the film in cinemas and have cautioned against leaking footage recorded from the big screen.

"All set for the biggest action spectacle? A humble request to everyone to refrain from recording any videos, sharing them online and giving out any spoilers. Experience Pathaan only in cinemas," YRF tweeted with an email address to which piracy can be reported.