The City Civil Court of Hyderabad granted an ad-interim injunction on September 26, 2025 for Chiranjeevi, barring 33 individuals and entities from using his name, image, voice, or likeness—including titles like Mega Star, Chiru, and Annayya—without permission
Chiranjeevi
Tollywood actor and philanthropist Konidela Chiranjeevi has won a significant legal battle to protect his identity from exploitation. On September 26, 2025, the Chief Judge of the City Civil Court in Hyderabad issued an ad-interim order in favour of Chiranjeevi, prohibiting many individuals and entities from utilising his name, image, voice, or likeness without authorisation.
Chiranjeevi receives a verdict in his favour
The actor addressed the court after seeing that his name and likeness were being misused on internet platforms, goods, and even AI-generated materials. Recognising Chiranjeevi's famous prominence and four-decade career in the business, which has included national distinctions such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, the court concluded that such exploitation might significantly harm his reputation and financial interests.
The court verdict made it clear that illegal use of Chiranjeevi's personality, particularly on digital and AI platforms, constitutes exploitation and misrepresentation. The order currently prohibits 33 listed defendants from exploiting Chiranjeevi's name, stage names such as "Mega Star," "Chiru," and "Annayya," or any aspect of his persona for personal or commercial advantage.
It further warns that anyone discovered utilising Chiranjeevi's image or name to garner attention or generate revenues, including television networks, digital platforms, and media outlets, may face severe civil and criminal penalties. The court's next hearing on the subject is set for October 27, 2025.
Here's what the hearing stated
The excerpt from the press note read as, "Any infringement of personality or publicity rights, or acts of defamation, will unleash severe consequences under both civil and criminal law. All persons and entities including but not limited to television channels, digital platforms and media organizations are expressly cautioned that direct or indirect use, misrepresentation, or distortion of Chiranjeevi’s name, image, voice, likeness, or personality attributes for the purpose of increasing viewership, enhancing TRPs, or deriving any commercial or reputational benefit, without explicit written consent, will be met with the strictest remedies available under law, ensuring robust enforcement of rights and protection against reputational harm."
On October 11, 2025, Chiranjeevi personally visited with Hyderabad Police Commissioner Mr. Sajjanar and presented him a copy of the court judgment. During their talk, they agreed on the necessity for stricter legislation to combat the growing misuse of celebrity identities, particularly in the age of AI. Chiranjeevi conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Advocate S. Nagesh Reddy and his legal team for their efforts in securing this landmark decision.
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