Hyderabad: Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda has extended his support to Jr NTR after the latter condemned the circulation of a morphed video featuring the song ‘Chuttamalle’ from his film ‘Devara’ and called for stricter regulations against the misuse of artificial intelligence.
The controversy erupted after an AI-generated and morphed video was circulated on social media. Jr NTR strongly objected to the content and said he would pursue legal action against both those who created the video and those who were sharing it.
Vijay Deverakonda condemns AI misuse
Vijay Deverakonda expressed his solidarity with Jr NTR and his team in a post on X, saying that those responsible for creating and circulating the objectionable content should face strict legal consequences.
“We have stooped to the levels of absolute lowlife. Whoever is responsible for this should not be spared. They must face the harshest possible legal consequences and be made an example of. We must not let this go,” Vijay wrote while quoting Jr NTR’s post.
The actor also questioned the growing insensitivity surrounding the use of AI to create degrading content involving individuals.
“When did we become so insensitive to each other. What kind of parenting is going on? What kind of society are we living in? Where we find joy in degrading each other?” he wrote.
Vijay further pointed out that artificial intelligence is already generating widespread discussion and concern over its impact on employment and livelihoods. He criticised the misuse of the technology for creating objectionable material instead of using it constructively.
“At a time when the world is debating and fearing how AI disrupt livelihoods and take away jobs, these idiots are using that very technology to do utter nonsense,” he said.
Describing the creation and circulation of such material as the digital equivalent of sexual assault, Vijay called for the law to deal with such acts with the utmost seriousness.
He concluded his message by assuring Jr NTR and his team of his support as they pursue action against those responsible.
Jr NTR vows legal action
Earlier, Jr NTR had reacted strongly to the circulation of the morphed ‘Chuttamalle’ video. The actor described the content as “disgusting, sick and shameless” and condemned the use of AI to create material that disrespects women.
He invoked the cultural significance attached to the respect and dignity of women in Indian society while criticising those behind the video.
“In a land that worships women as mothers and goddesses, where ‘Matrudevo Bhava’ is not just a phrase but a part of our culture, some people have fallen so low that they are using AI to disrespect a woman in the most degrading way possible,” Jr NTR said.
He made it clear that he would pursue legal action against those responsible for creating the video as well as individuals involved in its circulation.
“To the scumbags behind this morphed Chuttamalle video, I will not spare any of you. I will take every possible legal action against those who created it and those who are spreading it,” he said.
The actor also appealed to social media users not to engage with the video.
Jr NTR calls for stricter AI regulations
Jr NTR urged people not to watch, share or otherwise amplify such content, warning that anyone could become a victim of similar misuse of technology.
“Today it is someone else. Tomorrow, it could be your mother, sister, wife or daughter,” he said.
He also called upon state governments and the Government of India to take strong action and introduce strict regulations to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence.
The issue has once again highlighted concerns surrounding AI-generated manipulated content, particularly material that can damage an individual’s dignity, reputation and privacy.
Janhvi Kapoor also condemns fake videos
Actress Janhvi Kapoor also voiced her concern over AI-generated fake videos being circulated online.
In a post on X, Janhvi urged social media users not to create, share or promote such material, calling it a clear misuse of AI.
“It’s disturbing to see AI-generated fake videos being circulated. Please don’t create, share or promote such content. This is a clear misuse of AI,” she wrote.
She added that legal action would be taken against those involved.
The reactions from Jr NTR, Vijay Deverakonda and Janhvi Kapoor come amid growing concerns in the film industry over the misuse of generative AI to create manipulated images and videos of actors and other public figures.
The controversy has also renewed calls for stronger safeguards and accountability as AI tools become increasingly accessible and capable of producing realistic synthetic content.