October 27, 2025 | Legal & Celebrity News, Cinema News
Court Grants Ad-Interim Injunction Stopping Unapproved Commercial and AI-Based Use of Megastar Chiranjeevi’s Identity; Next Hearing on October 27, 2025
In a significant legal victory for Indian cinema, the City Civil Court, Hyderabad, has granted an ad-interim injunction in favour of legendary actor and philanthropist Konidela Chiranjeevi, protecting his personality and publicity rights from unauthorized exploitation.
The court’s order, dated September 26, 2025 (I.A. No. 6275/2025 in O.S. No. 441/2025), prohibits any unauthorized use of Chiranjeevi’s name, image, voice, and stage titles — including “MEGA STAR”, “CHIRU”, and “ANNAYYA” — across all platforms, encompassing print, digital, and AI-generated media.
Court Observations and Rationale
Acknowledging Chiranjeevi’s four-decade contribution to Indian cinema and his recognition with national honours such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, the court noted that certain individuals and entities had been using his likeness in memes, merchandise, and online content without authorization.
Such acts, it said, posed a threat of irreparable harm to the actor’s reputation and goodwill.
The injunction restrains Defendants No. 1–33 and Defendant No. 36 (John Doe) from using Chiranjeevi’s identity or attributes for any commercial or promotional purpose. The court also ordered immediate notification to all respondents, setting the next hearing for October 27, 2025.
Enforcement and Police Coordination
On October 11, 2025, Chiranjeevi met Mr. C. V. Anand Sajjanar, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, to hand over a copy of the court order.
Discussions reportedly focused on enhancing criminal enforcement for digital misuses and developing tighter legal safeguards against AI-driven impersonation, deepfakes, and privacy breaches involving public figures.
Gratitude to Legal Team
Expressing thanks for the judgment, Chiranjeevi conveyed heartfelt appreciation to Sri S. Nagesh Reddy, Advocate, and his legal counsel for their strategic guidance and professional diligence that led to this landmark precedent in personality rights jurisprudence.
Public Notice
All individuals, companies, television channels, digital platforms, and media organizations are strictly cautioned against using or misrepresenting Chiranjeevi’s name, image, voice, or likeness — including for viewership, TRPs, or promotional benefit — without explicit written consent.
Any violation will invite civil and criminal action under applicable law.
For authorized permissions or licensing:
📧 Mr. Sar. Chagla, General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer, Konidela Family
✉️ czzarr@moiralegal.com
Times Mahesha View
This order marks a milestone for Indian entertainment law, reaffirming that celebrity identity is a legally protected personal asset — especially in an era of AI content and digital replication.
The ruling also sets a strong precedent for artists seeking to preserve their dignity, reputation, and control over their digital presence.
