Piracy resurfaces in Telugu cinema: Game Changer, Thandel fall victim

Entertainment: The Telugu film industry is once again grappling with a surge in piracy, reminiscent of the early 2000s when leaked CDs and unauthorized cable screenings plagued filmmakers. Despite a record-breaking start to 2024 with hits like Pushpa 2: The Rule, Kalki 2898 AD, Devara: Part 1, and HanuMan, recent films like Game Changer and Thandel have fallen victim to online piracy, with high-definition (HD) prints surfacing on various platforms. Producers Allu Aravind, Bunny Vas, and Dil Raju, along with actors Vishwak Sen and Anjali, have voiced their concerns, urging audiences to support films by watching them in theaters. While legal complaints and arrests have followed, industry insiders stress that curbing piracy ultimately lies in the hands of the audience.

Thandel screened illegally in public transport

In a shocking turn of events, Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi’s latest release Thandel, which grossed ₹62 crore in its opening weekend, was illegally screened on an Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus. The film’s producers, Allu Aravind and Bunny Vas, expressed outrage over the incident, revealing that its HD print had also been circulated on WhatsApp and Telegram. “Piracy had declined due to OTT platforms and our efforts, but it is making a strong comeback. People must remember that uploading and downloading pirated content is illegal,” Aravind stated at a press conference in Hyderabad. He confirmed that complaints had been filed and arrests were imminent.

Bunny Vas echoed the sentiment, recalling past legal action against perpetrators of Geetha Govindam and Taxiwaala leaks. “Those responsible are still serving their sentences. We won’t let anyone get away with this,” he asserted. He also mentioned plans to bring the issue to the attention of Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao has since ordered an inquiry into the matter.

Rising threats to leak HD prints online

Social media trolling and fan wars have escalated to a dangerous level, with threats to leak films becoming a worrying trend. Actor Vishwak Sen recently addressed the press, revealing that his film Laila was being targeted due to a political remark made by co-star ‘30 Years’ Prudhvi at a promotional event.

“Over 25,000 tweets are calling for a boycott of Laila because of a political statement. I’ve even received threats that the film’s HD print will be leaked on the first day of release,” Sen said, visibly emotional. He urged people to separate cinema from politics, adding, “I am not well-versed in politics; I’m only 29. We put our heart and soul into this film—please, don’t destroy it.” Producer Sahu Garapati, present at the event, warned of legal action should the threats materialize.

Game Changer leak sparks outrage

Shankar’s highly anticipated Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, also suffered a devastating piracy attack when its HD print was illegally broadcast on a cable TV channel and leaked online shortly after its release in January. Producer Dil Raju filed a cyber complaint against 45 individuals, alleging that the leak occurred after they refused to comply with an extortion demand.

Urging the audience to not support piracy, Dil Raju stated, “A film is best experienced in a packed theater, where its true essence can be felt. Please don’t contribute to its downfall.”

Actress Anjali, who featured in Game Changer, also hinted at the negative impact on box office collections, stating, “We work hard to bring films to life, but beyond that, we have no control over such leaks. It’s heartbreaking.”

Industry’s anti-piracy initiative gains momentum

With piracy once again threatening the Telugu film industry, Tollywood has vowed to take stringent action. Aravind and Vas have urged fans to report any illegal print of Thandel by contacting cyber police, while the Film Chamber’s Anti-Piracy Cell has intensified efforts to curb the menace.