- Saturday, March 22, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
The Telangana police have registered an FIR against 25 popular Tollywood actors and influencers for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. Among the prominent names listed in the case are Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi. The FIR was lodged following a complaint by businessman Phanindra Sarma, who alleged that these celebrities endorsed betting platforms that have caused significant financial losses to people.
The list of accused also includes actors Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, and Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha. The complaint claims that these individuals endorsed betting apps through social media advertisements, misleading the public into financial ruin.
The complainant, Phanindra Sarma, stated that betting apps have been luring people—especially those in financial distress—into gambling away their hard-earned money. According to him, thousands of rupees are being funneled into these platforms, leading to severe financial crises in many middle-class and lower-middle-class families. Sarma himself was on the verge of depositing money into one such platform but withdrew after his family intervened.
The FIR highlights that celebrities and influencers allegedly received hefty payments to promote these platforms. The Telangana police have charged the accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and state laws governing fraudulent financial activities.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj, one of the accused, has responded to the FIR, clarifying that his association with a betting platform ended years ago. “I had appeared in an advertisement back in 2015, but we opted out after a year,” he stated, adding that he is seeking more details about the case.
This controversy comes just months after the Telangana police arrested Allu Arjun in December 2024 following the tragic death of a woman at the chaotic premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad. The police had accused the actor of attending the premiere without prior approval, leading to an uncontrollable crowd surge. His arrest sparked a massive debate, with critics questioning the state’s approach towards Tollywood celebrities.
Following Allu Arjun’s arrest, the film fraternity raised concerns over growing legal scrutiny. In response, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met a delegation of filmmakers and actors, assuring them of the government’s support while reiterating that law and order violations would not be tolerated.
The FIR against some of Telugu cinema’s biggest stars is expected to create a fresh storm in the industry. While investigations continue, the case raises critical questions about celebrity endorsements and their ethical responsibilities. As the controversy unfolds, the film industry and legal experts await further action from law enforcement authorities.
