‘Free movie websites are a trap’: Nagarjuna warns how piracy sites lure people, steal personal data
His remarks came as he lauded the Hyderabad Police for arresting iBomma founder Immadhi Ravi, accused of running a massive movie piracy network
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Film actor Akkineni Nagarjuna (File Photo)
Hyderabad: “Nothing is free these days. Free movies are a trap, and there are bigger plans behind them,” warned popular actor Akkineni Nagarjuna, revealing that one of his family members had recently fallen victim to a digital arrest scam.
His remarks came as he lauded the Hyderabad Police for arresting iBomma founder Immadhi Ravi, accused of running a massive movie piracy network.
Nagarjuna, along with film actor K Chiranjeevi, Director SS Rajamouli, and producer Dil Raju, attended the press conference conducted by Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar to disclose the case details of the iBomma founder at the Integrated Command Control Centre here on Monday.
Family member held under digital arrest
Speaking to the media, Nagarjuna said that his family members had been trapped for two days, with scammers leveraging personal and financial information to intimidate them. The situation was resolved only after swift police intervention.
“With the intervention of the police, the caller disappeared within a second. We couldn’t trace him. The accused operated with precision,” he said.
He added that organised syndicates closely monitor potential victims and possess extensive data, including credit card details, making the scam even more alarming.
Personal data of millions at risk
Nagarjuna further said that the film industry had been battling piracy for years. Following Ravi’s arrest, a colleague from Chennai called to congratulate the Hyderabad Police, saying, “We couldn’t accomplish this, but you did.”
He asserted that the racket extended far beyond the estimated Rs 20 crore and involved an international network. With Ravi reportedly having 50 lakh subscribers, he said the personal data of millions had been put at risk.
Public urged to stay vigilant
Nagarjuna reiterated that online piracy platforms are designed to deceive users under the guise of offering free entertainment.
“People should be extremely cautious. These platforms are not harmless; they are traps with serious consequences,” he said.
