Chiranjeevi files police complaint over deepfake porn videos: “Violates my dignity and mental peace”

Highlights:

• Actor alleges that AI-generated pornographic deepfakes using his face are being circulated online.
  
• Complaints filed with Hyderabad Cybercrime Police against unknown individuals.
  
• Police register case under IT Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Indecent Representation of Women Act.
  
• Chiranjeevi calls it a “deliberate violation” of his privacy and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.
  

Actor alleges organized cybercrime network

Telugu film icon and former Union minister Konidela Chiranjeevi has lodged two police complaints in Hyderabad, alleging that deepfake pornographic videos using his likeness are being created and circulated online.

In his first complaint, filed on Saturday, Chiranjeevi said an “entirely fabricated” AI-generated video that superimposed his facial features on a person performing obscene acts was uploaded and monetized on at least three pornographic websites. He said the content also featured a woman resembling a Bollywood actress.

According to the complaint filed through his legal counsel, the actor described the videos as a “grave violation” of his privacy, adding that their “unrestricted public accessibility” had caused serious harm to his mental well-being and reputation.

He also alleged that the wide circulation and monetization of the material suggested an organized cybercrime network operating for profit.

“A direct violation of privacy and dignity”

Chiranjeevi stated that the fabricated videos were being used “maliciously” to portray him in vulgar contexts, damaging his reputation and misleading the public.

“These fake videos are a direct and deliberate violation of my right to privacy, reputation, and dignity, protected under Article 21 of the Constitution,” the actor said in his statement.

He added that such acts not only caused emotional distress to him and his family but also undermined “decades of goodwill” built over his career.

Court order protecting personality rights

Chiranjeevi attached a September 26 ad-interim injunction from the City Civil Court in Hyderabad, which restrains digital media outlets, YouTube channels, and other platforms from using his name, image, or likeness for commercial purposes.

The actor urged authorities to investigate those involved in creating, hosting, and distributing the deepfake content, and to ensure immediate takedown and forensic tracing.

Police action and the second complaint

Based on the actor’s complaint, police registered a case under Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology (IT) 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 Act.

A second complaint, filed on Monday, accuses several anonymous social media users of posting abusive and defamatory content targeting Chiranjeevi. One of the handles mentioned was “@chowdary_daya11”.

“I am being stalked and targeted by people unknown to me for reasons I cannot understand. Such vulgar language and constant harassment are causing trauma and injury to my reputation,” Chiranjeevi said.

Deepfake abuse and its growing impact

The case highlights the growing misuse of AI-generated deepfakes in targeting public figures in India. Experts have repeatedly warned that the absence of strong digital protection laws leaves celebrities and ordinary citizens vulnerable to such violations, with devastating mental health consequences.