An AI-generated deepfake video involving Janhvi Kapoor has triggered widespread outrage across the Telugu film industry. The manipulated clip, created using footage of Kapoor from the song “Chuttamalle” in Devara: Part 1, has prompted strong reactions from several prominent film personalities, including Chiranjeevi and Jr NTR.
The controversy has also brought renewed attention to the misuse of artificial intelligence to create degrading and non-consensual content involving women. Chiranjeevi has said he plans to raise the matter with Telugu film industry bodies and recommend measures to support victims and pursue those responsible.
Chiranjeevi Condemns AI-Generated Deepfake Video
The controversy began after an AI-manipulated version of “Chuttamalle” started circulating online. The original romantic song, composed by Anirudh Ravichander and sung by Shilpa Rao, was released in stages, with the lyrical video arriving in August 2024 and the full song following in October 2024.
Reacting to the manipulated video, Chiranjeevi expressed his strong disapproval on X, calling the creation of degrading and morphed content involving a woman “cruel, shameful and completely unacceptable.”
The actor also stressed that the issue extends beyond one individual or film, warning that similar misuse of technology could affect anyone. He said he would discuss the matter with the Telugu Film Chamber, Producers’ Council and other affiliated industry bodies.
Chiranjeevi also proposed the formation of a dedicated committee and support cell that could work alongside Cyber Crime authorities. According to him, such a mechanism could assist victims, coordinate efforts to remove harmful material and help initiate legal proceedings against those responsible.
He further called for stricter regulations from state governments and the Government of India to address the misuse of AI and urged people not to view or share such content.
Jr NTR Warns Those Behind the Morphed Video
Jr NTR, who stars with Janhvi Kapoor in Devara: Part 1, also reacted strongly to the incident. In a post on X dated October 3, 2026, he described the creation and circulation of the altered video as “disgusting, sick and shameless.”
The actor questioned how such content could be created in a society where women are traditionally revered. He condemned the use of AI to digitally manipulate a woman’s image in a degrading manner.
Jr NTR also said he would pursue legal action against both those who created the video and those involved in circulating it. He called for strong and immediate action from the state and central governments against such misuse of technology.
Janhvi Kapoor Calls the Incident Deeply Violating
Janhvi Kapoor addressed the controversy on October 4, 2026, through her Instagram Stories. Describing the circulation of the AI-altered video as “deeply violating, bordering on sexual assault,” the actress spoke about the larger impact of non-consensual digital manipulation.
Kapoor pointed out that women in the entertainment industry have faced different forms of such abuse and said the problem is increasingly affecting women more broadly.
She emphasised that consent, personal choice and respect for a woman’s body should remain fundamental principles. Kapoor also thanked Jr NTR, Chiranjeevi, Vijay Deverakonda and Khushbu Sundar for speaking publicly in her support.
The controversy surrounding the AI-generated “Chuttamalle” video has highlighted concerns over the growing misuse of deepfake technology. With Chiranjeevi planning to take up the issue with industry organisations and the affected actors indicating their intention to pursue legal action, the incident has intensified calls for stronger measures against non-consensual AI-generated content.