Kannappa makers issue strong statement on theft and planned leak of unreleased footage

24 Frames Factory has confirmed police complaint, reveals identity of those behind alleged sabotage attempt.

May 28, 2025 - 2:49 PM IST

Days after reports emerged about the theft of crucial footage from the upcoming mythological action film Kannappa, production house 24 Frames Factory has officially addressed the matter. In a detailed statement, the makers confirmed that a hard drive containing a key action sequence and extensive VFX work was stolen in transit and that a police complaint had been lodged nearly a month ago.

Kannappa makers issue strong statement on theft and planned leak of unreleased footage

The stolen drive was being shipped from Hive Studios in Mumbai to the production office when it was intercepted unlawfully. “A hard drive containing a pivotal action sequence between two lead characters of Kannappa, along with critical VFX work, was stolen during transit. The drive was shipped from Hive Studios, Mumbai, and intended to be delivered to our official production office. Shockingly, the package was unlawfully intercepted and signed for by an individual named Mr. Raghu, who acted under the instructions of a woman named Charita. Neither of them are employees, representatives, or associates of 24 Frames Factory. Their act constitutes impersonation and theft,” the statement read.

The studio further claimed that the identities and motives of those behind the act are already known to both them and the investigating authorities. It added, “A police complaint was formally filed nearly four weeks ago, and the investigating authorities have been fully briefed on the identity of those behind this. It is no secret who orchestrated this attempt—both we and law enforcement are well aware of the forces at play. The perpetrator’s identity is known, and the motive is clear.”

In a disturbing revelation, the makers alleged that over 90 minutes of unreleased footage may be leaked online. “More disturbingly, credible intelligence has recently emerged that these individuals, under guidance from the same source, are planning to leak over 90 minutes of unreleased footage online in a desperate attempt to derail the release of Kannappa. In response, the Executive Producer has formally escalated the matter to Cyber Crime authorities to take swift and firm action,” it further shared.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM 24 FRAMES FACTORY
REGARDING THE THEFT OF CRUCIAL KANNAPPA FOOTAGE
In response to circulating rumours and speculation, 24 Frames Factory is issuing this official statement to bring clarity to the situation.
A hard drive containing a pivotal action…
— 24 Frames Factory (@24FramesFactory) May 27, 2025

Terming the act “sabotage,” the production house did not hold back and stated, “It is disheartening to see such cheap and calculated tactics being deployed from within the industry itself. This is not mischief—it is sabotage, and it reflects a deeply unfortunate descent into personal vendetta-driven behaviour. At a time when Telugu cinema is earning global recognition, stooping to such levels is not just regressive—it is disgraceful.”

The studio concluded with a message of solidarity and a call to the public. “We stand united with our team, our cast, and every technician who has worked with unshakable commitment to make Kannappa a cinematic landmark. We will not be shaken by these cowardly attempts. Justice will be pursued with full force—and we trust that the truth, as always, will prevail. We urge the public and the media not to entertain or circulate any pirated content if it emerges, and to stand by the artists and technicians who have poured years of effort into this magnum opus. Integrity will triumph,” concluded the statement.

Kannappa, starring Vishnu Manchu in the titular role, is one of the most ambitious pan-Indian mythological action films currently in production. The film also features a cameo by Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Mohanlal, and is being made on a grand scale with international technicians.

Also Read: Kannappa: Vishnu Manchu starrer faces major security breach as hard drive goes missing in transit