Jr NTR has strongly condemned an allegedly AI-manipulated video involving footage of himself and Janhvi Kapoor from the popular Devara: Part 1 song ‘Chuttamalle’.
The actor spoke out on X after the altered clip circulated online, describing the material as deeply disturbing and warning that he would pursue legal action against those responsible for creating and distributing it.
The incident has renewed concerns surrounding the misuse of generative artificial intelligence to create unauthorised and sexually abusive content involving public figures.
Jr NTR Warns Those Behind the Manipulated Video
Reacting to the controversy on October 3, Jr NTR criticised those responsible for digitally altering the original footage.
In his post, the actor described the material as “disgusting, sick and shameless” and objected to the use of AI to manipulate a woman’s likeness in a degrading manner.
NTR also made it clear that his response would extend beyond the people who created the material.
“I will take every possible legal action against those who created it and those who are spreading it,” he said.
The actor further appealed to social-media users not to watch, share or engage with the manipulated content, stressing that amplifying such material only contributes to its circulation.
NTR Calls for Stronger AI Safeguards
The Devara actor also used the incident to call for stronger measures against harmful applications of artificial intelligence.
He urged state governments as well as the Central Government to take stronger action and establish safeguards capable of addressing the misuse of AI.
His comments come at a time when deepfake technology and other forms of synthetic media are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it easier to manipulate authentic photographs, videos and audio.
Janhvi Kapoor Also Objects to AI-Generated Fake Content
Janhvi Kapoor has also spoken against the circulation of manipulated AI-generated material.
According to reports, the actress described the spread of such fake videos as disturbing and urged people not to create, promote or circulate them.
She has also indicated that legal action would be pursued against those involved.
The controversy has therefore brought both performers featured in the original Chuttamalle video into the conversation surrounding unauthorised AI manipulation.
Vijay Deverakonda Supports Jr NTR
Jr NTR’s position has also received support from fellow actor Vijay Deverakonda.
Deverakonda criticised the misuse of AI and called for serious consequences for those responsible. According to The News Minute, he described this type of manipulation as the “digital equivalent of sexual assault.”
The reactions underline the growing concern within the Indian film industry over the use of AI to create fabricated intimate or degrading material involving actors.
What Is the ‘Chuttamalle’ Controversy About?
The controversy centres on footage from ‘Chuttamalle’, one of the best-known songs from Devara: Part 1, which starred Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor.
The original song was released in 2024 and was composed by Anirudh Ravichander, with vocals by Shilpa Rao and choreography by Bosco Martis.
The track became popular across India and was released in multiple language versions, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.
The current controversy is unrelated to the original song’s creative content. Instead, it concerns the alleged unauthorised alteration of existing footage using AI.
AI Deepfakes Are Becoming a Growing Concern for Celebrities
The incident involving NTR and Kapoor is part of a wider debate over the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate the identities of public figures.
Actors across India have increasingly raised concerns about fake photographs, videos and audio generated or altered without their permission.
Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, for example, recently obtained interim protection from the Bombay High Court concerning unauthorised content involving her name, image and voice.
Such cases highlight the growing legal and ethical questions surrounding synthetic media. While AI can have legitimate applications in entertainment and creative production, its unauthorised use to fabricate intimate, defamatory or degrading material raises substantially different concerns.
Jr NTR Asks People Not to Amplify the Content
For NTR, the immediate appeal is straightforward: people should not give the manipulated material additional reach.
By asking users not to watch, share or engage with the video, the actor has highlighted the role audiences play in limiting the spread of harmful synthetic content.
The controversy could also contribute to the broader discussion about whether existing legal protections are sufficient to deal with AI-generated abuse as the technology continues to evolve.
For now, NTR’s message remains clear — those responsible for creating and circulating unauthorised manipulated material should face appropriate consequences, while users should avoid helping such content spread.
