Hyderabad City Police recently convened a high-stakes meeting with prominent members of the Telugu film industry. The purpose? To share critical insights from a recent, massive film piracy racket bust and to strategize on effective preventative measures going forward.
Commissioner C.V. Anand revealed alarming findings during the session. He explained that data from websites illegally distributing pirated movies wasn’t just facilitating film theft; it was also being exploited for other serious cybercrimes, such as financial fraud and what’s known as “digital arrests.”
The meeting saw participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior actors like Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna, and Nani, as well as influential producers, exhibitors, and digital distribution partners. Commissioner Anand detailed how these illicit activities were being carried out:
- Movies were either secretly recorded inside cinemas using mobile phones.
- Alternatively, content was stolen through sophisticated cyberattacks on digital distribution networks even before official release.
The investigation pinpointed notorious piracy platforms like TamilMV, Tail Blasters, and Movierulz. These sites, it was discovered, were generating revenue through various sponsors, including online gaming and betting operations. “Once pirated, these files spread rapidly across torrent sites, Telegram channels, and illegal streaming platforms,” the commissioner stated.
To combat this pervasive threat, Commissioner Anand emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity practices across the entire industry. This includes regular security audits of film delivery platforms, stricter access controls, and prompt reporting of any suspicious activity. Theatre owners were strongly advised to enforce rigorous restrictions on recording devices and enhance in-hall surveillance to prevent unauthorized recordings. Production houses were also urged to fortify the chain of custody for their film content, employing forensic measures and watermarking techniques to trace any potential leaks.
The film fraternity expressed their appreciation for the police’s proactive stance and pledged their full support and cooperation in these vital anti-piracy efforts. The presence of key industry figures underscores the collective commitment to safeguarding the future of Telugu cinema.