SAVING CINEMA
The efforts of distributor Rajkumar Akella to curb piracy in films are finally showing some results
When the distributor of Indian cinema overseas, Rajkumar Akella saw how piracy posed an increasing threat to the industry, he decided to take things in his hands.
Taking small steps, he began to sensitise people in the film world and outside, about the importance of a strong copyright policy. He was presented the Motion Picture Association and Asia Pacific Copyright Educator Award for his extensive work in the field.
“People think there is no harm in watching a pirated film, the filmmakers are rich anyway. But it isn’t just about a big producer, director and actor. Every single person who is a part of a film is effected because of piracy,” says Rajkumar, who serves as co-chair of FICCI’s Intellectual Property Rights Outreach Committee.
Rajkumar was instrumental in establishing the Telangana Intellectual Property Crime Unit. “It was modelled closely on the UK’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit. And with time, the effort is proving fruitful,” he says.
However, the recent leak of scenes from Baahubali makes it evident that there’s still a long way to go. “That’s why it’s important for filmmakers to be cautious at every level in production,” he says, elaborating, “A few years ago, an application iMovieCop was created and used to train over 7,000 staff members of cinema halls about how they can help deter camcording. The same can be done for staff in the production houses too.”
“Recent films like Premam and Dhruva are examples of how their efforts are working well. Even two-three weeks after the films’ release, there was no hint of an online version,” he says. The laws of copyright in the country have become quite stringent. “Telangana is doing the best job and efforts have been spruced up. Prosecution and huge fines for those who have been caught is one deterrent too. People are slowly wary of committing the crime. There are always those who try, but things are getting better,” he says.
Telangana is doing the best job and efforts have been spruced up