Delhi HC Restrains AI Film for Exploiting Likeness of Pawan Kalyan’s Son

The battle between artificial intelligence and personal identity has reached the courtroom again, with the Delhi High Court stepping in to protect Akira Nandan , son of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan. In a significant order, the court restrained the circulation of an AI-generated film that allegedly used Akira’s name, face, voice, and personality without his consent highlighting the growing legal risks of deepfake technology.

The case arose after Sambhawaami Studios LLP reportedly created and uploaded a nearly one-hour movie on YouTube, promoted as the “world’s first global AI film,” portraying Akira in the lead role. According to the lawsuit, the content included fabricated romantic and intimate scenes , generated through AI morphing tools, which the plaintiff argued were entirely fictional and harmful. He told the court this violated his privacy, personality rights, publicity rights, and moral rights , causing serious reputational damage.

Justice Tushar Rao Gadela, noting prima facie misuse, granted ex parte ad-interim relief and ordered the immediate removal of the film and all related clips, shorts, and promotional content from online platforms. The court barred the defendants including unidentified “John Doe” parties from further using Akira’s identity through AI, generative AI, machine learning, or deepfake technologies . Meta Platforms was directed to ensure takedown of infringing links within 72 hours if users fail to comply. The next hearing is on February 5.

Beyond one individual’s grievance, the case underscores a broader legal issue: who owns AI-generated images and voices? While copyright law typically protects human-created works, courts are increasingly recognising that a person’s likeness and voice cannot be digitally cloned for commercial or misleading use without permission . Consent, judges are signalling, remains central no matter how advanced the technology.

Delhi High Court has become a key venue for such disputes due to its expertise in intellectual property and digital litigation , as well as the presence of major tech platforms in the capital. Along with a recent similar order protecting actor Jr. NTR, this ruling shows Indian courts are drawing firm lines: AI innovation cannot come at the cost of identity and dignity .