AI Deepfakes – Actor and Movie Artists Association President Vishnu Manchu has called for a permanent, industry-wide framework to deal with deepfakes, online impersonation and coordinated malicious campaigns. His comments came after an AI-altered video involving Janhvi Kapoor and Jr NTR from the Chuttamalle song triggered concern within the film industry. Manchu argued that the incident should be treated as a broader warning about the misuse of rapidly developing technology rather than as a one-off controversy.
Vishnu Manchu Seeks Greater Accountability Online
In a detailed post on X, Manchu backed concerns recently raised by actor Ram Pothineni, who had pointed to the difficulty of holding anonymous online accounts responsible for harmful activity. Manchu said the idea of linking online identities to Aadhaar deserved serious consideration, while stressing that freedom of expression must remain protected.
He drew a clear line between anonymity and accountability, arguing that hidden identities should not be used to harass, defame or sexually exploit individuals. According to Manchu, the growing ability to create manipulated digital material means stronger mechanisms are needed to identify and address deliberate abuse.
Debate Extends Beyond Deepfake Videos
Manchu also broadened the discussion to what he described as organised negativity targeting films, actors and filmmakers. He said audiences have every right to dislike a movie, question a performance or offer strong criticism, but argued that coordinated efforts intended to damage a film before its release should be viewed differently.
He referred to recent concerns raised publicly by Sundeep Kishan about alleged targeted and paid negativity surrounding him and his film. Manchu also pointed to The Paradise, which reportedly approached a court before release seeking protection from allegedly defamatory and damaging online content.
The MAA president said hundreds of people and significant financial investments are connected to each film, making it important that audiences be allowed to form their own opinions after watching the work.
MAA Compiling Information on Reported Abuse
Manchu said MAA is gathering information about accounts and networks that are repeatedly accused of targeted abuse or malicious campaigns. He specifically mentioned accounts that allegedly use actors’ photographs or identities while presenting themselves online in ways that may not reflect the views of those actors.
He stressed that the initiative was not intended to suppress criticism. Instead, he described it as an effort to establish accountability when identities are misused or coordinated online activity crosses the line into deliberate harm.
Janhvi Kapoor Speaks About AI-Altered Video
The discussion followed Janhvi Kapoor’s response to an AI-manipulated video featuring her from the Devara: Part 1 song Chuttamalle. In an Instagram Story, the actor condemned the use of technology to objectify women and circulate fabricated material without consent.
Janhvi described the experience as deeply violating and said women in the film industry have repeatedly faced similar behaviour. She emphasised that consent, personal choice and respect for a woman’s body should be basic principles rather than complicated concepts.
Her comments added a personal dimension to the wider debate over AI-generated and manipulated content, particularly when such material involves public figures without their permission.
Call for Telugu Film Bodies to Work Together
Manchu urged the Telugu Film Chamber, Producers Council, MAA and other industry stakeholders to establish a lasting mechanism covering AI deepfakes, impersonation, coordinated malicious campaigns and online sabotage.
He argued that occasional meetings or individual complaints would not be enough as technology continues to develop. His central appeal was for a functioning system that could provide accountability while preserving legitimate criticism and audience choice.