Janhvi Kapoor Deepfake Video Sparks Outrage.. AI Misuse Under Scrutiny

A manipulated video featuring Janhvi Kapoor, reportedly created using the ‘Chuttamalle’ song from ‘Devara’, has triggered widespread concern. Junior NTR strongly condemned the incident and warned that legal action would be taken against those who created and circulated the video. Janhvi Kapoor also addressed the issue, saying that creating and sharing such content without her consent violated her dignity and personal boundaries. Chiranjeevi, Ram Pothineni and Ram Gopal Varma were among those who also reacted to the controversy. The incident, however, has highlighted a much broader problem involving the misuse of celebrity photographs, videos, interviews and other content through digital manipulation.

The growing use of AI tools has made it easier to create deepfakes, manipulated videos and fabricated scenes, with women celebrities often becoming targets of such abuse. Even when manipulated content is removed from one account, copies can quickly reappear across other platforms and private groups. Sharing or reposting such material, even while criticising it, can further increase its reach. The controversy has therefore renewed calls for stronger action against creators and deliberate distributors of abusive deepfake content, along with faster complaint mechanisms and greater responsibility from digital platforms. The issue is not limited to celebrities and could potentially affect ordinary individuals as well.