The arrest of Immadi Ravi, believed to be the mastermind behind the piracy websites iBomma and Bappam, has sparked a concerning trend on social media. What started as a law enforcement success has transformed into an online phenomenon where Ravi is being celebrated as a “social media Tagore,” reminiscent of Chiranjeevi’s vigilante character from the 2003 film Tagore. However, this glorification of a criminal figure highlights a significant issue in the digital era: public discontent morphing into misguided idolization.
As movie ticket prices soar during festive occasions and major film releases, numerous viewers have indicated that piracy has become “the only affordable option.” This dissatisfaction has contributed to the perception that iBomma Ravi was “providing a service” by offering films at no cost—a deeply flawed and perilous viewpoint. Authorities have consistently warned that piracy inflicts substantial damage on the film industry and jeopardizes users’ privacy, as many illicit websites compromise personal data. Despite these warnings, the veneration of Ravi is on the rise, fueled by memes, fan edits, and online discussions. Public sentiment is clearly divided: “Ticket prices have become unbearable. At least he made films accessible to middle-class individuals,” stated Kishore, a college student.
“We don’t support crime, but the industry should understand why people admire him,” remarked Lavanya, a housewife. “Referring to him as Tagore is absurd. He’s not a hero; he’s a criminal harming thousands of cinema workers,” asserted Mahesh Allena, an advocate. Sunitha from Warangal commented, “Piracy destroys creativity. Idolizing him illustrates the detrimental impact of social media on public perception.” The real threat lies not solely in piracy, but in the alarming speed with which the internet can transform a criminal into a cult figure. This trend mirrors escalating public frustration, but misplaced admiration threatens to normalize illegal behavior and undermine the livelihoods of countless individuals in the film industry.
As the discourse continues, one fact stands out: addressing ticket price increases and the growing divide between the industry and its audience is vital—but romanticizing criminality is not the answer.