Copyright laws have little effect as far as the film industry is concerned. There are several instances of unknown, talented writers complaining (most of the times without any positive outcome) that their stories are being stolen by renowned and influential film writers and directors. Most of the talented and original creators of stories remain behind scenes for their entire careers as victims of intellectual thievery or as ghost writers.
Where to go?
There are copy right laws to protect the work of writers, but it appears to have failed to protect the interests of genuine writers in many cases. Telugu Screen Writers Association has been established with the specific objective of protecting the rights of story writers. It is common belief that if one writer registers his story with this body, it cannot be stolen or pirated. This association also celebrated its silver jubilee celebration on a grand note. Allegations are rife that the association strives for protecting the rights of only a few.
Veteran film writer Paruchuri Gopala Krishna is Telugu Screen Writers’ Association president while Akella is general secretary. The members of this association have recently received a memo asking them not to go public over any dispute regarding the piracy of a story. These are sad events which go to show that writers are not valued in the film industry. Veteran actor Krishnam Raju once said, “Greet when you come across Goddess Lakshmi (wealth), but go wherever Goddess Saraswati (learning) is and greet her”. The reality is screen writers receive no respect and honour in the Telugu film industry.
Controversies are frequently cropping up over stories, but there are no indications of this association actively settling them. There is little evidence that the association even looks into the dispute with all the seriousness it deserves. The aggrieved writer can’t even approach the hero concerned to get justice. When will things improve in the Telugu industry? Can one expect the writer to get his / her due one day?