Janhvi Kapoor Calls AI-Generated Video ‘Almost Equivalent to Sexual Assault’

Actor Janhvi Kapoor has strongly condemned an AI-generated video that digitally altered her appearance from the song Chuttamalle in Devara: Part 1, calling it a serious violation of consent and dignity and saying such misuse of technology is “almost equivalent to sexual assault.” The manipulated video, which portrayed her in a sexually explicit manner, has since been removed from online platforms.

In a strongly worded statement shared on Instagram on Monday, Kapoor said the incident reflects a much larger problem concerning women's safety and personal boundaries in the digital age. She stressed that consent, choice and respect for a woman's body should be basic principles, regardless of whether the abuse occurs online or offline.

Kapoor said women are increasingly being forced to negotiate their safety in digital spaces as well. She argued that what a woman is comfortable with, where she draws the line and what she chooses to do with her body are decisions that belong exclusively to her.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from prominent members of the film industry. Jr NTR, Kapoor's Devara co-star, described the morphed video as “vile” and “shameful beyond words”. He said he would pursue legal action against those responsible for creating and circulating it and urged the Centre and state governments to take stronger measures against the misuse of AI.

Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar said she would not remain silent when another woman is digitally violated and humiliated. She stressed that such content should never be normalised, adding that “a woman’s body is not content” and AI must not become a weapon against women.

Chiranjeevi also condemned the incident, saying the problem extends beyond one actress or one film and could affect anyone. He said he would raise the matter with the Telugu Film Chamber, Producers’ Council and other industry bodies, while calling for stronger government action.

Vijay Deverakonda demanded strict legal consequences for those behind the video, describing such misuse of AI as the digital equivalent of sexual assault.

The controversy comes amid growing concerns over AI-generated deepfakes involving women in the entertainment industry. Rashmika Mandanna, Mrunal Thakur and Shalini Pandey have previously spoken about their images or videos being digitally manipulated and circulated online, highlighting the urgent need for stronger safeguards against such abuse.