Allu Aravind, Dil Raju & other prominent Telugu filmmakers address increasing piracy issues; threaten saying, “Arrests will be made soon”

The Telugu film industry is ramping up its efforts against piracy following the leaks of successful films such as Pushpa 2 and Thandel. Filmmakers are encouraging audiences to back cinema by attending screenings in theatres. In recent months, numerous highly anticipated South Indian films have fallen victim to online leaks, causing significant frustration among those in the industry. In response, the Telugu film community is taking a strong stance against this issue. They have vowed to protect their creations with a crackdown on piracy, which may soon lead to arrests.

Allu Aravind, Dil Raju & other Telugu filmmakers condemn piracy

Recent top-grossing films, including Pushpa 2: The Rule, Kalki 2898 AD, Devara: Part 1, Game Changer, Thandel, and HanuMan, have been uploaded to illegal websites in high-definition just hours or days after their release. As reported by News18, prominent figures in Tollywood, such as Allu Aravind, Bunny Vas, and Dil Raju with actors Vishwak Sen and Anjali, have expressed their concerns over the escalating piracy problem. Their collective message is clear: the industry stands united in its fight against these illegal activities.

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Although complaints and arrests have already occurred, filmmakers emphasize that genuine change hinges on audience support. They are encouraging moviegoers to enjoy films in theatres and reject piracy outright. Chandoo Mondeti’s recently released film Thandel, featuring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi. It performed impressively at the box office, collecting Rs 62 crore worldwide in its opening weekend. Unfortunately, the producers Aravind and Vas discovered the movie being screened on a pirated website APSRTC bus via a cable network. They were further disheartened to learn that the film’s HD version circulated among WhatsApp and Telegram groups.

Allu Aravind on piracy

Aravind remarked, “Piracy had decreased for a while due to our efforts and the rise of OTT platforms, but now it’s resurfacing. And we need to act decisively. People seem to forget that it’s illegal to upload or download such prints.” He mentioned that complaints have been filed and arrests are forthcoming while addressing the media in Hyderabad. He added, “Seeing a film do well but becoming a victim of piracy is tough.”

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Vas reinforced the commitment to take aggressive legal measures, similar to actions taken when Geetha Govindam and Taxiwaala were leaked. “The perpetrators are still facing the consequences of their actions; we will not let this go unpunished. An unauthorized print of Thandel was even shown on a government RTC bus. I will notify Pawan Kalyan (Deputy CM of AP) because we are determined to take a stand, as it impacts box office success.” APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao has initiated an inquiry into the matter. Vas and Aravind have urged the public to help report instances of Thandel piracy at 9573225069. The Film Chamber’s anti-piracy cell is also playing an increasingly vital role in combating this issue.

Vishwak on piracy

In other news, Vishwak Sen recently addressed the press to apologize for a political comment made by his co-star, 30 Years Prudhvi. It was during the pre-release event of their upcoming film Laila. An emotional Vishwak revealed he had received threats due to the incident. “There are 25,000 tweets calling for a boycott of Laila because of Prudhvi’s comment. Some have threatened to leak the film’s HD print on opening day. I sincerely apologize for what occurred at our event. I’m only 29 and not politically savvy; we’ve put significant effort into this film, so it’s disheartening,” he expressed.

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Shankar’s Game Changer, featuring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, also encountered a significant piracy setback. It was illegally broadcast on a cable TV channel and leaked online shortly after its January debut. Producer Dil Raju lodged a cyber complaint against 45 individuals, revealing that the leak followed a refusal to comply with an extortion demand. He urged, “Please do not support piracy, whether in buses or elsewhere. A lot of hard work goes into making a film. It’s best enjoyed in theaters with an audience sharing the experience.”

Anjali, who starred in the film, added, “As an actor, my focus is on delivering a strong performance. While we strive for our film’s success at the box office, there’s much more I’d like to say about Game Changer. But time is limited. It’s painful to see these incidents transpire.”

Piracy sites often pose significant security risks, including malware and legal repercussions under the Copyright Act of 1957, along with poor video quality and incomplete content. Is it worth jeopardizing the safety and support of creators for an inferior viewing experience?

Also Read: After protesters attack Allu Arjun’s home, Pushpa 2 actor’s kids Allu Arhaa and Allu Ayaan evacuated to safely – WATCH