Following the early 2000s, a period marked by the circulation of leaked films on CDs in bootleg shops and their rapid screening on cable television, the Telugu film industry appears to be confronting a resurgence of piracy. The year 2024 has been remarkable, with films such as Pushpa 2: The Rule, Kalki 2898 AD, Devara: Part 1, and HanuMan achieving record box office success in India.

However, within just two months of the new year, films like Game Changer and Thandel have succumbed to piracy, with high-definition copies surfacing online. Prominent figures in Tollywood, including filmmakers Allu Aravind, Bunny Vas, and Dil Raju, as well as actors Vishwak Sen and Anjali, have addressed this pressing issue, emphasizing the industry's determination to combat it.

While complaints have been lodged and arrests executed, these filmmakers assert that meaningful change must originate from the audience, encouraging viewers to support films by attending theatres.

Thandel screened in APSRTC bus

Since the release of Chandoo Mondeti’s film Thandel, featuring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, last Friday, it has achieved significant success globally, amassing ₹62 crore in gross revenue by the end of its opening weekend. However, the film's producers, Aravind and Vas, were taken aback to discover that it was being screened in an APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) bus through a cable network. Aravind reported that the film's HD print had also been disseminated via WhatsApp and Telegram groups.

"While piracy had diminished for a time due to our initiatives and the rise of OTT platforms, it is unfortunately resurfacing. We aim to address this issue promptly to prevent further harm. Many seem to have overlooked the fact that both uploading and downloading such prints is illegal," Aravind stated during a press conference in Hyderabad. He added, "We have lodged complaints, and arrests will be forthcoming. Regarding the film being shown in a government RTC bus, one must question whether this was done out of ignorance. It is disheartening to witness such occurrences when a film is performing well."

Vas emphasized that similar to their actions when prints of Geetha Govindam and Taxiwaala were leaked, they are committed to pursuing legal action against those responsible. "The individuals involved in those cases are still incarcerated; we will not let anyone evade justice. An overseas print of Thandel was shown on an RTC bus travelling from Palasa to Vijayawada. I will notify Pawan Kalyan (Deputy CM of AP) about this situation; we are determined to combat this issue as it impacts box office performance." In response, APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao has initiated an inquiry into the matter.

Vas and Aravind also encouraged the public to report any sightings of a leaked print of Thandel to the number 9573225069. Additionally, the film chamber has established an anti-piracy cell to address these challenges.

Threats to leak HD prints on the rise

The prevalence of fan conflicts and online trolling has regrettably become commonplace for celebrities. There has been a notable increase in threats to release high-definition versions of films online for various reasons. Vishwak Sen addressed the media to express his regret regarding a political remark made by his co-star, ‘30 Years’ Prudhvi, during the pre-release event of their upcoming film, Laila, scheduled for this weekend. He appeared visibly emotional as he disclosed that he had received threats following the incident.

"25,000 tweets are calling for a boycott of Laila due to Prudhvi's political comment. Some individuals have threatened to release the film's HD print on its opening day. I apologize for this situation arising at our event. I am not sufficiently knowledgeable about politics; I am only 29 years old. We have invested significant effort into this film, so it is truly disheartening," he implored. Producer Sahu Garapati, who was also in attendance, emphasized that if the threats were acted upon, he would take legal measures, following the example set by Aravind.

This incident follows the illegal airing of Shankar’s Game Changer, featuring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, which was broadcast on a cable TV channel and leaked online after its January release. Producer Dil Raju lodged a cyber complaint against 45 individuals, asserting that the film was leaked due to their failure to meet an extortion demand. He urged the audience, stating, "Please refrain from supporting piracy in buses or elsewhere. A tremendous amount of effort goes into filmmaking, and it is best enjoyed in theatres with an audience that shares your enthusiasm."

Anjali, who starred in the film, also hinted at the impact of the leak on box office revenues, remarking, "As an actor, I can only be accountable for my performance in the role. We strive for a film's success at the box office through promotions. However, I will need more time to discuss Game Changer than we currently have. Everyone understands my reasoning. At times, we experience pain; it can be profoundly hurtful. That is all I wish to convey."

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