Delhi High Court Orders Takedown of AI Deepfake Film Violating Personality Rights Of Pawan Kalyan's Son

In an order dated January 23, 2026, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela passed an ex-parte ad-interim injunction while hearing an application seeking protection against the creation and circulation of AI-generated content exploiting Nandan's name, image, likeness and voice.

Holding that a strong prima facie case for the grant of interim relief had been made out, the Court observed that, “The very act of deploying AI tools to create a movie with the plaintiff in the lead role, itself is a testament to his distinctive image and persona. It also appears that there is every likelihood of exploitation of his name, image, picture, personality, voice etc. The images placed on record manifestly depict the vulnerability the plaintiff faces in the hands of purported infringers like defendant no.1.”

The suit was filed against Sambhawaami Studios LLP, several unidentified individuals and online intermediaries including YouTube/Google and Meta Platforms. Nandan informed the Court that an AI-generated movie titled “AI LOVE STORY” had been created and uploaded online, falsely projecting him as the lead actor along with several other clips circulated across social media platforms without his authorization.

It was submitted that his facial features, voice and overall persona were digitally replicated using AI, generative AI and deepfake technologies. It was argued that the content created a false impression of association and that impersonation accounts were also being used to commercially exploit his identity and solicit monetary benefits.

After examining the material placed on record, the Court observed that Akira Nandan, despite his young age, enjoys a distinct and recognizable public persona.

“Upon overall appreciation of the facts of the case, prima facie, it appears that the plaintiff is a prominent personality belonging to a highly reputed family in the entertainment industry in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The plaintiff, though young, appears to have a large fan following which indicates his popularity in the public as also in the entertainment industry,” the Court noted.

Addressing submissions that an AI-generated image falsely depicted Nandan embracing a minor, the Court observed, “If that is so, the gravity and the seriousness with which this Court should approach such an infringer has to be underscored and in case such images are attributable to defendant no.1 or such other persons who are associated as John Doe/Ashok Kumar, a strict and stringent message ought to be sent.”

Referring to its earlier rulings in DM Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. v. Baby Gift House & Ors. and R. Madhavan v. G. Filmz Studioz & Ors., the Court reiterated the need to protect individuals against unauthorized exploitation of their personality rights.

Consequently, the Court restrained Sambhawaami Studios LLP and unknown persons from creating, uploading, publishing, sharing or circulating the disputed AI generated movie or any other content exploiting any facet of Nandan's personality across any medium or platform or from violating his right to privacy.

The Court also directed the immediate takedown of the infringing links identified during the proceedings. Meta Platforms was directed to notify users hosting the infringing content and, if they failed to comply within 72 hours, to remove the content.

Meta was also ordered to disclose available IP and subscriber details of the infringing accounts to Nandan to assist in further proceedings.

The matter will next be listed on February 5, 2026.

For Plaintiff: Senior Advocate J. Sai Deepak with Advocates Himanshu Deora, Rahul Mehta, Arpit Choudhary, Kunal Mehta, Anupriya Alok and Sanat Saswadkar

For Defendants: Advocates Aditya Gupta and Vani Kaushik for D-2; Advocates Varun Pathak, Yash Karunakaran and Prasidhi Agrawal for D-3