Telugu megastar and former Union minister Konidela Chiranjeevi has become the latest high-profile victim of the exploding menace of AI-driven deepfake abuse, filing two criminal complaints after finding himself targeted by an obscene, fabricated video and vicious online trolling.
In his first complaint, lodged on Saturday with Hyderabad’s cybercrime police, Chiranjeevi stated that unknown individuals had created an AI-generated pornographic deepfake, superimposing his face on another man in explicit content along with a woman rumored to be a Bollywood actress.
The video, he said, was not only circulating widely but was also being monetized through multiple pornographic platforms and mirror websites, indicating what he believes is an “organized cybercrime network” driven by profit.
He emphasized the personal toll the video has taken on him, saying it has shattered his peace of mind, harmed his dignity, and dented the public trust built over decades.
“These fabricated videos are maliciously designed to portray me in vulgar situations, distort public perception, and sabotage my legacy,” the actor stressed through his legal team.
He argued that such acts violate his constitutional right to privacy, dignity, ty, and reputation under Article 21, and urged police to conduct swift digital forensics, takedown operations, and identify the perpetrators.
A September 26 ad-interim injunction from the Hyderabad City Civil Court, restraining digital platforms from using his image for commercial gain, was also submitted to reinforce his case and protect his personality rights.
Following the complaint, Hyderabad police registered a case under Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, offenses related to obscene digital material under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and provisions of the Indecent Representation of Women Act, signaling the seriousness of the matter.
Barely two days later, Chiranjeevi filed another complaint, this time against anonymous trolls working through handles like @chowdary_daya11, who allegedly hurled obscene Telugu abuses at him online.
The star said he felt traumatized, stalked, and relentlessly harassed despite holding a court order in his favor.
This disturbing episode underscores a growing concern—not just for celebrities but for ordinary citizens as well. Deepfake technology, once considered futuristic and playful, has begun poisoning lives in real time.
From actresses like Rashmika Mandanna, whose deepfake video recently set off a national outcry, to businessman Ratan Tata, whose AI-forged speech spread misinformation,
India has seen a wave of cases signaling a dangerous digital turning point. Globally too, English actor Tom Holland and Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson have grappled with similar AI-abuse, raising urgent questions about privacy, consent, and the unchecked power of synthetic media.
What happened to Chiranjeevi is not merely a celebrity scandal—it is a wake-up call for society, policymakers, and tech platforms.
As AI gets sharper, the line between truth and digital fiction is dissolving, pushing countless individuals into emotional trauma, reputational damage, and legal battles.
A digital age where anyone’s face, voice, or identity can be stolen within minutes demands awareness, stronger laws, rapid takedowns, and ethical AI practices.
Chiranjeevi’s fight, like that of many others, is not only personal—it is symbolic of a collective struggle for digital dignity and safety.
#StopDeepFakeAbuse #DigitalSafety #ProtectPrivacy #SayNoToAIHarassment #CyberCrimeAwareness #JusticeForVictims