Game Changer HD print aired on local TV channel five days after its release, angry producer calls it 'unacceptable'

Headlined by Ram Charan and helmed by Shankar, the political thriller Game Changer was released in cinemas worldwide on January 10. Just five days after its release, the HD print of the film was aired on a cable TV channel called AP Local TV. The screenshot of the same went viral on social media, with netizens asking for ban on the channel.

A famous Telugu producer Sreenivaka Kumar, also known as SKN, called it unacceptable and demanded for strict action. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, he wrote, "This is unacceptable. A film that was released just 4-5 days ago being telecasted on local cable channels & Buses raises serious concerns. Cinema is not just about the Hero, director or producers – it’s the result of 3-4 years of hard work, dedication and the dreams of thousands of people."

"Think about the impact on distributors and exhibitors whose livelihoods depend on the success of these films. Such actions undermine their efforts and threaten the future of the film industry. It’s time for respected governments to step up and take strict action to put an end to this. Let’s all unite and stand firm to protect and ensure a better future for cinema", he further added.

This is unacceptable. A film that was released just 4-5 days ago being telecasted on local cable channels & Buses raises serious concerns. Cinema is not just about the Hero, director or producers – it’s the result of 3-4 years of hard work, dedication and the dreams of thousands… https://t.co/ukPHIpi6ko

— SKN (Sreenivasa Kumar) (@SKNonline) January 15, 2025

Also starring Kiara Advani and SJ Suryah in the leading roles, Game Changer has crossed Rs 100 crore net in India and grossed Rs 150 crore worldwide till now. With a massive budget of around Rs 450 crore, the Shankar directorial could turn out to be one of the biggest flops in Telugu cinema. 

The Ram Charan-starrer is facing stiff competition from Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer action thriller Daaku Maharaaj and Venkatesh-starrer action comedy Sankranthiki Vasthunam. While Daaku Maharaj was released on January 12, Sankranthiki Vasthunam hit theatres on January 14. Both the movies are attracting more crowds in the theatres as compared to Game Changer.