The misuse of artificial intelligence to create degrading and objectionable content has triggered strong reactions from prominent names in the Telugu film industry, with Jr NTR, Megastar Chiranjeevi and Ram Pothineni speaking out against the growing threat of digital abuse.
The controversy erupted after an AI-morphed version of the Chuttamalle song from Devara, featuring Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, surfaced online. The manipulated video presents the actors in an objectionable manner and has been widely discussed on social media.
NTR strongly condemned the misuse of AI and warned that he would pursue legal action against both those who created the video and those spreading it.
He also urged people not to watch, share or engage with such content, stressing that the issue goes beyond one individual and requires stronger measures against the misuse of technology.
Chiranjeevi has now joined the conversation with a strong appeal for collective action. Expressing deep concern over AI-generated degrading videos targeting women, he described such acts as cruel, shameful and completely unacceptable.
The actor stressed that this should not be viewed as an isolated incident involving one person or one film. He pointed out that such abuse could affect anyone and called upon people not to remain silent simply because they had not personally faced it.
Chiranjeevi also called for accountability under the law for both those who create such material and those who knowingly circulate or amplify it.
He further revealed that he would take up the matter with the Telugu Film Chamber, Producers’ Council and affiliated industry bodies, recommending the creation of a dedicated committee and support cell.
According to Chiranjeevi’s proposal, such a team could work with Cyber Crime authorities to assist victims, coordinate efforts to remove abusive content and pursue legal action against those responsible.
He also urged the Central and State Governments to take stronger measures against the misuse of AI.
Adding another perspective to the debate, Ram Pothineni focused on the issue of anonymity and accountability online.
“They’re faceless, so they’re fearless!
Accountability is the need of the hour. Linking Aadhaar to online identities may be the most effective way to ensure accountability and curb online abuse going forward,” he said.
With three prominent voices addressing the issue from different angles, the controversy has developed into a wider discussion on digital responsibility, AI misuse, online anonymity and the need to protect individual dignity in the digital age.
Chiranjeevi also urged people not to watch, download, share or circulate such videos, even when the intention is to condemn them, and instead report them to social media platforms and Cyber Crime authorities.