New Delhi, Jan 28 : The Delhi High Court has ordered an immediate halt to an AI-generated film that allegedly used the likeness, name, and personality of Akira Nandan, son of actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, without his consent. The film, uploaded on YouTube by Sambhawaami Studios LLP and promoted as the “world’s first global AI movie,” reportedly cast Akira as the lead character.
Akira, also known as Akira Desai, told the court that he never approved the use of his image, voice, or personal identity. The movie allegedly included deepfake technology to portray him in personal and intimate scenes, which his legal team argued could cause irreparable harm to his reputation.
Justice Tushar Tao Gadela observed that Akira’s identity is highly recognizable, making unauthorized use particularly damaging. The court described the potential injury to his image as “irreparable,” noting that such harm could not simply be compensated financially.
In an ex parte ad-interim order, the court directed the immediate removal of the AI film from all platforms, including short clips, promotional materials, and any related content on websites or social media. Sambhawaami Studios and affiliated parties are restrained from using Akira’s name, likeness, voice, or identifiable traits through AI, deepfake, or generative technologies.
Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook and Instagram, has been ordered to notify users who uploaded infringing content and remove it within 72 hours, taking down any remaining content themselves if necessary. The restraint also extends to unidentified “John Doe” defendants to prevent further misuse of Akira’s identity.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on February 5.