Actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have approached cybercrime authorities in Hyderabad over allegedly fabricated online claims, manipulated screenshots and targeted harassment following the backlash to their appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 9.
The complaint was submitted on Monday, October 26, after the couple faced intense online criticism over their relationship and marriage.
Koffee With Karan Appearance Triggers Online Backlash
The controversy intensified after Vijay and Rashmika appeared together on Koffee With Karan on October 21, where they discussed their relationship and marriage.
During the conversation, Rashmika revealed that she had initiated discussions about marriage with Vijay and repeatedly brought up the subject over a period of one year. The exchange subsequently attracted widespread reactions, criticism and memes across social media platforms.
According to the actors’ team, some online content went beyond criticism and allegedly involved fabricated narratives, manipulated digital material and impersonation.
Complaint Seeks Investigation Into Fake Content
A representative of the actors’ team submitted a formal complaint to Hyderabad cybercrime authorities, identifying specific online publications and social media content.
The team said it had provided relevant links and supporting material for examination. It also requested an investigation into whether coordinated or paid campaigns were involved in circulating misleading claims.
The team clarified that its action was not intended to restrict freedom of expression or legitimate criticism. It maintained that presenting fabricated information as fact was different from expressing an opinion.
Police have stated that no case has been registered as the petition’s contents are non-cognizable in nature.
Rashmika and Vijay Respond to Critics
Amid the controversy, Rashmika addressed the criticism through an Instagram statement, saying that misleading narratives and unsolicited relationship advice had overshadowed the couple’s own account of their relationship.
Vijay also defended their marriage, describing Rashmika as his best friend and wife. He declared that they were “gloriously happy” and pushed back against those criticising their relationship.
The complaint marks the couple’s formal move to seek scrutiny of the disputed online content, with further action dependent on the authorities’ examination of the matter.