By Tanveer Zaidi (Actor-Author-Educationist)
In a significant legal development, several well-known personalities from the Telugu film industry have come under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in promoting online betting applications. Prominent actors such as Vijay Devarakonda, Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha, Nidhi Agarwal, and Ananya Nagella, along with several social media influencers, have been named in an FIR registered by the Cyberabad police in Hyderabad. The allegations stem from their endorsements of betting platforms, which, according to the complaint, have played a role in luring unsuspecting individuals into investing money in these apps.
The police action was initiated following a complaint lodged by an individual named P.M. Phanindra Sarma. In his complaint, Sarma alleged that these betting applications have been heavily marketed on social media platforms using endorsements from high-profile celebrities to attract a large number of users. He further contended that such promotional activities have misled people into engaging in betting, which is strictly prohibited under the law in Telangana.
It is important to note that online betting has been declared illegal in the state of Telangana since 2017. With this legal framework in place, any promotion or advertisement of such platforms is considered unlawful. The Cyberabad police, taking cognizance of the matter, proceeded to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the implicated actors and influencers.
Apart from the local police investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also taken an interest in the case. The agency, which is responsible for probing financial crimes, has announced that it will investigate the involvement of the accused under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED is expected to summon the celebrities and social media influencers named in the FIR to examine their role in promoting the betting apps and to determine whether there has been any financial wrongdoing linked to the case.
As news of the FIR spread, some of the accused actors and influencers responded by clarifying their stance and attempting to distance themselves from the controversy.
Popular actor Rana Daggubati was one of the first to react to the allegations. He stated that his association with a gaming company had ended as early as 2017, well before the stringent enforcement of the ban in Telangana. He also asserted that his endorsement of the gaming platform was limited only to regions where skill-based gaming was legally permissible. His statement suggests that he had adhered to the legal framework while promoting the platform and had not knowingly engaged in any unlawful activity.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj took to social media to express his position on the matter. In a video posted on Twitter, he clarified that the police had not yet contacted him regarding the FIR. However, he emphasized that he was fully prepared to cooperate with the authorities if required. Providing further insight into his involvement, Prakash Raj stated that he had worked with a gaming company in 2016 but had severed ties in 2017 after realizing the nature of its business operations.
He also revealed that in 2021, a new company had used an old commercial featuring him without his consent. Upon discovering this, he took immediate legal action and issued notices to the firm, ultimately leading to the removal of the advertisement. His statement suggests that his association with the industry was unintentional and that he had actively taken steps to disassociate himself from any illegal activities.
Another major name on the list, Vijay Devarakonda, also sought to clarify his position through his team. According to a statement issued by his representatives, the actor had only endorsed a skill-based gaming platform, which operates within the boundaries of legal provisions in certain regions.
His team further explained that his contract with the company had concluded in 2023. Additionally, they highlighted that skill-based games such as rummy have been recognized by the Supreme Court as being distinct from gambling. This distinction is crucial, as it differentiates between games of skill and games of chance, with the former being legally permissible in various jurisdictions.
The controversy surrounding these Telugu film stars brings into focus the larger issue of online gaming and betting in India. While some states have explicitly banned all forms of online gambling and betting, others have recognized skill-based gaming as a legitimate activity. The legal ambiguity has led to confusion and, at times, unintended violations of the law.
Given the growing popularity of online gaming platforms, authorities are increasingly tightening regulations and cracking down on entities found violating state laws. The involvement of celebrities in endorsing such platforms further complicates the issue, as their influence can significantly impact public behavior.
The FIR against some of the Telugu film industry’s biggest stars and influencers has sparked a debate on the ethical and legal responsibilities of public figures when endorsing commercial platforms. While the accused individuals have issued clarifications regarding their involvement, the legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months. The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation under PMLA will further determine whether financial irregularities were involved in these endorsements.
As the case progresses, it will be closely watched not only by the entertainment industry but also by lawmakers, gaming companies, and consumers who participate in online gaming. The outcome of this investigation may set an important precedent regarding celebrity endorsements and their legal ramifications in India’s evolving digital economy.