Actor Keerthy Suresh has strongly condemned the misuse of artificial intelligence after a set of morphed images resembling her began circulating online, sparking widespread concern over digital safety and the growing abuse of AI tools. The National Award-winning actor said the incident left her unsettled and questioning, “Did I pose like this?”, as the doctored visuals were realistic enough to momentarily confuse even her.
Speaking during the promotions of her upcoming film Revolver Rita, Keerthy revealed that she initially dismissed warnings from friends and fans, believing the images to be harmless edits. But after seeing the photos herself, she realised the magnitude of the problem and the dangerous ease with which AI can distort a woman’s identity without consent.
‘It is hurting and irritating’: Keerthy reacts
Keerthy did not hold back while addressing the situation. She said that the manipulations were not just invasive but “deeply uncomfortable”. According to her, the speed at which such images spread online makes it nearly impossible for celebrities — or anyone — to defend themselves in real time.
She stressed that AI, while powerful, has become a tool for harassment when placed in the wrong hands. “I feel irritated that someone could do this without thinking of the harm it causes,” she said, adding that actors are often forced to deal with the emotional fallout while abusers remain anonymous.
The actor also expressed concern that the technology is advancing too fast for legal frameworks to keep up, leaving victims to handle the damage on their own.
Impact of AI-morphed images on celebrities
Keerthy’s remarks have reopened a broader conversation in the film industry about how vulnerable public figures have become due to emerging technologies. With advanced generative tools easily accessible, morphed videos and images can be created in minutes and shared across platforms before any verification is possible.
Industry insiders say actors — especially women — face targeted attacks that go beyond rumours or gossip. Morphed visuals can harm reputations, affect mental health and in some cases, even threaten career opportunities. Many point out that while platforms act against explicit content, non-explicit but misleading AI edits often slip through moderation systems.
Keerthy urged the industry to unite in demanding stronger protection laws and digital safeguards. She added that while celebrities may have a platform to speak out, countless ordinary women experience similar violations without the means to fight back.
A growing concern across Indian cinema
Keerthy Suresh is not the first Indian actor to raise concerns. In recent months, several female celebrities — including Rashmika Mandanna and Katrina Kaif — have spoken against deepfakes and AI-generated impersonations. The trend has triggered calls for legal reform, with tech experts arguing that India urgently needs clearer definitions of AI misconduct and stricter penalties.
Tamil cinema circles have also been actively discussing the need for awareness campaigns, responsible AI usage and educational outreach, particularly among younger audiences who consume and share content at high speed.
Keerthy hopes for constructive action
Despite the distressing episode, Keerthy said she hopes the controversy encourages people to think before sharing manipulated content. She emphasised that digital literacy is essential, and the public must learn to question whether images or videos are authentic.
The actor also appealed to tech companies to improve detection tools capable of flagging AI-altered visuals before they become viral. According to her, social platforms bear a responsibility to ensure the online space remains safe for users — celebrities and civilians alike.
As she continues the promotional tour for Revolver Rita, her firm stance against AI misuse has been widely appreciated by fans and industry colleagues, many of whom have shared messages of support online.