'Criminals can't stay hidden forever': Piracy drained Rs 3,700 crore from Telugu cinema in 2024; industry urges action
Over the past decade, piracy is estimated to have drained over Rs 20,000 crore from the industry. In 2024 alone, while box office collections ranged between Rs 1,500 crore and Rs 2,000 crore, piracy inflicted losses of nearly Rs 3,700 crore, surpassing even theatrical earnings.
With nearly 200 websites across the world illegally streaming Telugu films, the industry believes that only a robust legal crackdown, particularly on digital intermediaries, can curb this growing menace.
'These criminals can't stay hidden forever. If the law holds intermediaries accountable, the actual perpetrators can be identified and prosecuted,' said A Raj Kumar, head of the anti-piracy wing, Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC).
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By intermediaries, he refers to content delivery networks, web hosting firms, and domain registrars that often host pirated content but claim no responsibility. He argued these players must not be allowed to escape liability simply by distancing themselves from the content they enable.
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Most piracy operations today are funded via cryptocurrency, making the money trail hard to follow. However, tracking payments to intermediaries could unlock vital leads. 'If we go after the digital enablers, piracy can be stopped at its source,' Raj Kumar said.
Legal pushback begins
In a proactive legal move, a production house recently approached the Hyderabad commercial court ahead of a film's release on June 2, seeking to restrain rogue websites from uploading pirated versions.
The court issued an interim order, barring all respondents from hosting, streaming, or communicating the film until July 25. The next hearing is scheduled for the same date.
'The public must also do its part. Watching pirated films may seem harmless, but it directly hurts the industry,' said KL Damodar Prasad, secretary, TFCC. 'Curbing piracy helps filmmakers reinvest and create more content,' he said.
Underground market
The rising quality of pirated prints is another troubling factor. Pirates now use high-end smartphones or camcorders, enhance footage using software, and produce near-watchable versions within hours of release. They are reportedly paid $500 for small films and up to $1,000 for big-budget releases.
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