Shankar’s much-awaited Telugu film Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, faced a major setback when it became a victim of piracy shortly after its January 10 release. The film, which opened to high expectations, saw its pirated version aired illegally by a cable TV channel in Andhra Pradesh. In response, the Andhra Pradesh Police launched an investigation, arrested several individuals, and made significant efforts to combat the illegal distribution of the film.
Cable TV Channel Arrested for Piracy
The cable TV channel in question, AP Local TV, was found to have broadcasted a pirated version of Game Changer. The incident led to an FIR being filed by the police, with the involvement of M/S Copyright Safety Systems, a company specializing in copyright protection. Led by managing director HV Chalapathi Raju, the team coordinated with the Gajuwaka Police and the Crime Clues Team under the Visakhapatnam Commissionerate to conduct a raid on the channel.
During the operation, a number of critical pieces of equipment were seized, and the individuals responsible for the illegal airing were arrested. The police have now registered FIR number 22/2025 in connection with the incident, and further investigations are ongoing.
The Ongoing Piracy Battle for Game Changer
Piracy has plagued the film since its early days. Even before its official release, Game Changer had fallen victim to multiple leaks. Clips from the film began circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, while an HD version of the film was illegally uploaded online within hours of its release.
The film’s production team, led by producer Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations, has voiced their concerns about an orchestrated attack on the film. They allege that 45 individuals targeted the movie, leaking clips and attempting to damage its reputation. In response, they filed a cyber complaint, accusing these individuals of violating copyright laws and attempting extortion.
Game Changer’s Release and Reception
Despite facing significant piracy challenges, Game Changer made its theatrical debut on January 10, 2025, during the Sankranthi festival. The film had a strong opening, though it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Competing against major releases such as Balakrishna’s Daaku Maharaaj and Venkatesh’s Sankranthiki Vastunnam, Game Changer found itself in a tough battle for box office success.
In terms of earnings, the film managed to collect approximately ₹117.9 crore net in India within its first week, as per Sacnilk. However, the competition did not let up, with Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule adding 20 minutes of extra footage, potentially increasing its appeal in the market.
Looking Forward
As piracy continues to affect the film industry, especially during high-profile releases, the case of Game Changer serves as a reminder of the severe impact of copyright infringement on creators, producers, and the industry as a whole. The legal actions taken against AP Local TV show the seriousness with which piracy is being handled, but the ongoing battle to protect intellectual property remains challenging.
The production team of Game Changer has vowed to continue fighting piracy and protect their creative work. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in curbing the widespread issue of film piracy.
Stay tuned for more updates on Game Changer‘s success, piracy efforts, and its impact on the Telugu film industry.
