Hyderabad: The Tollywood film industry has been rocked by allegations of illegal betting app endorsements, with several prominent actors and social media influencers under scrutiny.
The Cyberabad police have registered cases against actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, and Nidhhi Agerwal, along with 19 social media influencers, for promoting these platforms. Adding to the controversy, senior actors Nandamuri Balakrishna, Prabhas, and Gopichand have also been named in fresh complaints.
The allegations claim that these celebrities endorsed betting apps that misled users into financial losses. Complaints filed by advocates and affected individuals accuse the actors of violating the Telangana Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2017, and the Digital Media Ethics Code. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), suspecting that funds from these apps were laundered through hawala and cryptocurrency channels.
In a recent complaint, advocate Rama Rao Immaneni alleged that Balakrishna, Prabhas, and Gopichand promoted a betting app called Fun88 during a talk show. The complainant claimed to have lost Rs 80 lakh through the app and accused the actors of misleading the public. The complaint also highlighted the potential threat to national security posed by such platforms, urging authorities to block public access to the app.
While some actors, including Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda, have issued clarifications stating that their endorsements were for legally permitted skill-based gaming platforms, others have yet to respond. Prakash Raj admitted to promoting a gaming app in 2016 but claimed he discontinued the association after realizing its ethical implications.
The controversy has raised questions about the accountability of celebrities in promoting such platforms. Legal experts suggest that if found guilty, the actors could face penalties under the IT Act and the Telangana Gaming Act. Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing, and further action is expected as evidence is reviewed.
This incident has reignited debates about the ethical responsibilities of public figures in endorsing products and services, especially those with potential social and financial repercussions. The inclusion of senior actors like Balakrishna, Prabhas, and Gopichand has intensified public interest, making this a significant issue for the Tollywood industry.
