In recent months, several highly anticipated South Indian films have fallen prey to online leaks, evidently leaving filmmakers frustrated. However, the Telugu film industry is taking a firm stand now. 

Determined to protect their hard work, filmmakers have announced plans to crack down on piracy, with arrests expected soon. 

India’s highest-grossers of recent times, including Pushpa 2: The Rule, Kalki 2898 AD, Devara: Part 1, Game Changer, Thandel and HanuMan, were released on illegal websites in HD prints hours or days after its release.
Prominent Tollywood filmmakers like Allu Aravind, Bunny Vas and Dil Raju, along with actors Vishwak Sen and Anjali, have voiced their concerns over the growing piracy menace. 

Their message is clear — the industry is united and ready to take a strong stand against these illegal activities.

Complaints have been filed, and arrests have been made, but filmmakers say that true change must come from the audience. They are urging moviegoers to support cinema by watching films in theatres and rejecting piracy.

Chandoo Mondeti’s recently released Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, made impressive waves at the box office, grossing Rs 62 crore worldwide in its opening weekend. 

However, the film’s success was overshadowed by a shocking piracy incident. Producers Aravind and Vas were stunned to discover the movie being screened on an APSRTC bus through a cable network. Adding to their dismay, the film’s HD print has reportedly circulated across WhatsApp and Telegram groups.

“Piracy went down for a while thanks to our efforts and the advent of OTT, but it’s rearing its ugly head again. We want to curb it now before it does more damage. People seem to have forgotten it’s illegal to both upload and download such prints,” pointed out Aravind while talking to the press in Hyderabad.

He added, “We have filed complaints, and arrests will be made soon. As for the film being screened in a government RTC bus, is it out of innocence? It’s hard to see when a film is doing well, but these things happen.”

Vas emphasized that the production team would take decisive legal action, just as they did when Geetha Govindam and Taxiwaala prints were leaked. “Those people are still languishing in jail; we won’t leave anyone. An overseas print of Thandel was screened on an RTC bus going from Palasa to Vijayawada. I will inform Pawan Kalyan (Deputy CM of AP) about this; we intend to fight back because it affects box office numbers.” APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao has ordered an inquiry into it.

Vas and Aravind have urged the public to report any instances of Thandel piracy by contacting them at 9573225069. Additionally, the Film Chamber’s anti-piracy cell continues to play a crucial role in addressing such concerns.

Meanwhile, Vishwak Sen recently spoke to the press, apologizing for a political remark made by his co-star, 30 Years Prudhvi, during the pre-release event of their upcoming film Laila. Clearly emotional and almost in tears, Vishwak shared that he had received threats because of the incident.

“25,000 tweets are saying Boycott Laila because Prudhvi made a political comment. Some have threatened to leak the film’s HD print on opening day. I apologise because this happened at our event. I am not well-versed enough to talk politics; I am only 29. We worked hard on this film, so please, it’s heartbreaking,” he pleaded.

Shankar’s Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, also faced a major piracy setback when it was illegally broadcast on a cable TV channel and leaked online shortly after its January release. 

Producer Dil Raju filed a cyber complaint against 45 individuals, revealing that the leak occurred after they refused to comply with an extortion demand.

He said, “Please do not encourage piracy in buses or elsewhere. A lot of hard work goes into making a film, and it’s best experienced in theatres with an auditorium full of people enjoying it as much as you do.”

Anjali, who acted in the film, added, “As an actor, I can only take responsibility for how well I played my character. To hope a movie works at the box office is something we strive for with promotions. 

But beyond that, I’ll need more time to speak about Game Changer than we have. Everyone knows why I’m saying that. Sometimes, we get hurt; it hurts so badly. So, that’s all it is.”

Pirated sites often carry malware, posing serious security threats. Poor video quality, incomplete content, and potential legal consequences under the Copyright Act of 1957 are just a few risks. Is that really worth it for a less-than-stellar viewing experience?

Let’s support creators and say no to piracy for a better, safer, and more creative film future!

Source: News 18
--Agencies