Actor Janhvi Kapoor has spoken out against the AI-morphed video of her and Jr NTR from their 2024 film Devara: Part 1, which sparked widespread debate online, writes The Hindustan Times.
The actor addressed the controversy through a statement on her Instagram Stories, condemning what she described as the “criminal misuse” of technology to objectify women.
“The criminal misuse of technology to objectify women and circulate fictionalised content without consent is deeply violating, bordering on sexual assault,” Janhvi wrote.
She added that almost every woman in the film industry has faced some form of such abuse, while women elsewhere are increasingly being subjected to similar violations.
Janhvi stressed that consent, choice and respect for a woman’s body should be basic principles.
“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. This is basic,” she wrote.
The actor said the issue extends beyond the viral video and reflects the broader challenges women face in their daily lives.
“It is about the larger reality of being a woman, the gaze, the judgement, the constant negotiation for safety, and the feeling that our boundaries somehow remain open to interpretation,” she wrote.
She added that the threat has now extended into the digital space, even as women continue to face physical safety concerns.
Janhvi also thanked Jr NTR, Chiranjeevi, Vijay Deverakonda and Khushbu Sundar for speaking out against the misuse of AI and supporting her.
“I am deeply touched by NTR sir for taking such a strong stand and condemning this violation. Thank you, sir,” she wrote.
She also thanked Chiranjeevi, Vijay and Khushbu for amplifying the issue and calling for action against what she described as immoral practices.
Concluding her statement, Janhvi urged people involved in harassment to reflect on their actions.
“Is it really too much for a woman to ask to simply be treated and seen as a human being? Her body. Her image. Her boundaries. Her choice,” she wrote.
The AI-generated video circulated widely on social media before being taken down.
It digitally manipulated footage of Janhvi from Chuttamalle and altered her appearance to depict her in a sexually explicit manner.
Released in September 2024, Devara: Part 1 stars Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles.
“Chuttamalle”, composed by Anirudh Ravichander and sung by Shilpa Rao, became one of the film’s popular songs.
