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Veteran Telugu actor Chiranjeevi has now approached the Hyderabad Cybercrime Police after discovering multiple AI-generated pornographic videos featuring his likeness circulating on adult websites. The actor has described the content as “obscene” and “malicious,” and has sought urgent action against those responsible for creating and distributing the material. Chiranjeevi’s AI-generated video goes viral According to the complaint, at least three deepfake videos depicting the actor in vulgar and compromising situations were uploaded to pornographic platforms. The videos, allegedly monetised by unknown individuals, use artificial intelligence to digitally manipulate Chiranjeevi’s facial features and body. The case has been registered under several provisions, including Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, Sections 79, 294, 296, and 336(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Sections 2(c), 3, and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. In his statement, Chiranjeevi condemned the misuse of artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit content. “These videos are entirely fake and created using artificial intelligence commonly referred to as deepfake pornography, which unlawfully manipulates and morphs my facial features and persona into obscene content,” he said. He further added, “These manufactured clips are being maliciously used to portray me in obscene and vulgar contexts, distorting public perception and undermining decades of goodwill.” Highlighting the seriousness of the offence, Chiranjeevi urged authorities to act swiftly to trace the culprits and remove the content from circulation. “Unrestricted public accessibility of these videos makes the offence extremely grave and calls for immediate blocking, takedown and digital forensic tracing of those responsible for creating, uploading and circulating this content,” the actor stated in his complaint. He also appealed for a criminal and technical investigation into the matter and demanded the immediate removal of all such videos from online platforms. Chiranjeevi’s Personality Rights case Meanwhile, a few days ago, the City Civil Court of Hyderabad issued an ad-interim injunction protecting Konidela Chiranjeevi. The order, passed on September 26, 2025, comes amid increasing concerns over the misuse of public figures’ identities on social media, merchandise, and AI-driven platforms. It specifically safeguards Chiranjeevi’s name, image, voice, and likeness, ensuring that no individual or organisation can exploit them without proper authorisation. Chiranjeevi had filed the plea citing widespread unpermitted use of his persona. The court recognised that such exploitation could inflict “severe and irreparable harm” on the actor’s reputation, dignity, and economic interests, reflecting the urgent need to protect celebrity rights in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The injunction restrains defendants numbered 1 to 33 and defendant 36, along with any other individuals or entities, from using Chiranjeevi’s name, stage titles, including Mega Star, Chiru, and Annayya, voice, image, or personality attributes for any form of commercial or personal gain. This protection extends across all media, including digital, print, and broadcast platforms. Highlighting Chiranjeevi’s stature in Indian cinema, the court emphasised that any misuse of his identity constitutes a serious infringement of intellectual property and personal rights. The judgment also highlighted the growing threat posed by AI-generated content and digital manipulation, signalling the judiciary’s readiness to enforce stronger protections for public figures. The court further warned that violations, including imitation, defamation, or unauthorized commercialization, would attract strict civil and criminal consequences. Television channels, OTT platforms, content creators, and media outlets were explicitly cautioned against using Chiranjeevi’s persona without written consent.
