The Telugu film industry and fans of celebrated actor Chiranjeevi have been shaken by the emergence of explicit deepfake videos featuring the megastar, allegedly made through artificial intelligence technology. These manipulated videos, which have been circulating on various adult websites and social media platforms, have triggered widespread condemnation and sparked fresh debates over the misuse of AI in creating false and damaging content.
Discovery of Obscene Deepfake Videos and Public Backlash
The controversy came to light when several AI-generated, explicit videos featuring Chiranjeevi’s likeness appeared on adult sites and other digital platforms. In these clips, the actor’s face has been morphed onto the bodies of others, fabricating obscene and defamatory scenes with no basis in reality. The spread of these videos was rapid, and their explicit nature quickly captured the attention of the public, the media, and law enforcement agencies.
Outraged fans quickly began reporting the videos and expressing their disappointment and anger online. Given Chiranjeevi’s immense popularity in the Telugu film industry and beyond, the incident struck a nerve with audiences who condemned the invasion of his privacy and malicious use of technology to harm the actor’s reputation. The incident has also reignited calls for tougher regulation and monitoring of AI-generated content.
Film Industry and Legal Response on Chiranjeevi Deepfake Video
Chiranjeevi’s representatives responded swiftly, filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the Hyderabad cybercrime police. The complaint alleges the creation and dissemination of fake pornographic videos using deepfake technology that violates the actor’s privacy, damages his reputation, and breaches several legal provisions, including those related to obscenity, defamation, and cybercrime under the Information Technology Act.
The Hyderabad police have confirmed the registration of the FIR and have promised a thorough investigation into the source of the videos and the individuals responsible for creating and spreading them. Law enforcement officials have noted the growing challenge posed by deepfake technology, which is increasingly being used to target celebrities, politicians, and ordinary people alike.
In statements to the media, officials from the Hyderabad police cybercrime division highlighted that such acts are not just unethical, but are also criminal offenses. They assured the public that they are employing advanced digital forensics to trace the origins of the manipulated videos, block their further dissemination, and bring the culprits to justice.
Impact on Chiranjeevi and the Wider Film Community
The incident has cast a shadow over Chiranjeevi’s illustrious career. While the actor himself has not issued a direct public statement, his family and close associates have expressed their dismay, calling it a despicable act. Fans continue to rally in support of the megastar, trending hashtags in his defense on social media and urging authorities to take strict action.
Other members of the Telugu film community and prominent Bollywood personalities, including several leading actresses who have themselves been targets of deepfake pornography, have spoken out. They have called for more robust legal frameworks and technical safeguards to prevent the circulation of such damaging content. Many have also urged major tech companies and social media platforms to act more proactively in detecting, limiting, and removing AI-generated fake content.
An official note from the legal Team of Megastar Chiranjeevi.
— AndhraBoxOffice.Com (@AndhraBoxOffice) October 25, 2025
Trolls, morphs & AI misuse,
Now punishable by law!
Hyderabad Court injunction protecting his name, image, voice, likeness & AI recreations from misuse. pic.twitter.com/3ywtJnCWZ4
Some of the videos that are going viral as they made with using AI without his Consent. Take a look this out one of the fan made video for an example. Video Source: (x.com/mygoshiva)
Megastar Chiranjeevi using AI
— Shiva (@Mygodshiva) January 23, 2025
@KChiruTweets#Chiranjeevi #MegaStarChiranjeevi pic.twitter.com/70Z8GXhvDk
Rise of Deepfake Technology and Associated Risks
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to manipulate or generate visual and audio content with a high level of realism. While there are legitimate uses for AI-generated content, the technology has also been increasingly weaponized to create fake pornographic materials, impersonate individuals, and perpetrate fraud. According to several cybersecurity experts, the easy availability of deepfake tools online, combined with insufficient regulatory mechanisms, has made it dangerously simple for malicious actors to create such misleading and harmful content.
India, like many countries, is struggling to keep pace with the evolving threats posed by deepfakes. While the Information Technology Act and certain provisions of the Indian Penal Code can be invoked to address such incidents, lawmakers and legal experts are calling for more comprehensive and updated legislation specifically targeting the unique challenges of AI-enabled crimes.
Efforts to Combat the Misuse of AI
The Chiranjeevi episode has added fresh urgency to ongoing discussions about how to safeguard public figures and ordinary citizens alike from the dark side of AI. Tech companies, governments, and advocacy organizations are working on developing better detection tools to identify deepfakes and warn users about manipulated content. There are also calls for public awareness campaigns to educate people about the threat posed by deepfakes and how to differentiate real from fake media.
The Indian government, as part of its broader cybersecurity agenda, is reportedly considering new guidelines for social media platforms mandating faster removal of non-consensual and digitally manipulated content. Industry bodies and NGOs have likewise called for enhanced digital literacy initiatives and the creation of legal frameworks that specifically target the creators and distributors of deepfakes.
A Wakeup Call for Regulation and Responsible Technology Use
The circulation of obscene deepfake videos involving Chiranjeevi has underlined the urgent need for effective safeguards in the era of advanced digital technology. As law enforcement authorities begin their investigation and the film fraternity continues to show solidarity with the actor, the scandal has become a rallying point for broader conversations about cybercrime, digital rights, and the ethical use of AI in India.
This incident is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities created by rapidly evolving technology and underscores the necessity for collaborative action by the government, industry, and society to prevent similar instances in the future and hold perpetrators accountable.
