Nagarjuna hails Telangana Police drive against piracy
HYDERABAD: Actor Nagarjuna on Monday praised the Telangana Police for their efforts to curb piracy, calling the drive “commendable”. He was speaking to reporters after a meeting between film personalities and Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sajjanar.
Nagarjuna said the recent incidents of “digital arrest” had affected people even in his own family. “One of our family members was confined for nearly two days. Before we could alert the police, the gang fled,” he said.
Chiranjeevi says piracy causing heavy losses to film industry
Chiranjeevi said thousands of workers depend on the film industry, from light boys to senior directors, and described piracy as an act that “robs their labour”. The meeting was held in the backdrop of the recent arrest of ibomma operator Immadi Ravi. After the meeting, Chiranjeevi said the police had worked relentlessly under former commissioner CV Anand and now under Sajjanar to apprehend the accused. “Everyone who worked on this case deserves special thanks. People must treat cinema as their own and avoid piracy. Several films were pirated this year, causing huge losses,” he said.
Chiranjeevi added that director SS Rajamouli would soon release a major film that could enhance India’s global reputation. “Piracy will become a major challenge even then. We thank the police for understanding the industry’s concerns,” he said.
Rajamouli warns viewers against sharing personal data
Rajamouli urged viewers not to fall for “free movie” offers. “Someone was jailed two months after trying it. It is like placing your own hand under a demon’s blessing. Do not play games with the police,” he said.
He warned that people accessing pirated content were indirectly funding organised networks. “They use large servers. Where does that money come from? Not from us. They earn by pirating our films, meaning the money comes from you,” he said.
Rajamouli cautioned that personal data like names, phone numbers, Aadhaar numbers and email IDs, is being sold to criminals through such websites. “Many do not realise this. With just basic personal data, you can fall prey to cybercrime. This leads to major losses, even life-threatening situations. Ultimately, you lose more than we do. Do not watch free movies on piracy websites,” he said.
