Mohanlal Seeks Legal Protection for Personality Rights Amid Digital Concerns

Mohanlal, the celebrated Malayalam actor, has approached the Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights amidst rising concerns over identity misuse in the digital age. This legal move aligns him with other prominent figures like Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan, who are also safeguarding their public images against unauthorized exploitation. As he navigates these legal challenges, Mohanlal's much-anticipated film, Drishyam 3, has been postponed, now set to release on May 21, coinciding with his birthday. This article delves into the implications of personality rights and the ongoing battle against identity misuse in the entertainment industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 10:47 IST

Mohanlal Takes Legal Action for Personality Rights

Renowned Malayalam actor Mohanlal has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court to secure his personality rights, reflecting growing worries about the misuse of identities in the age of digital technology and artificial intelligence. This legal action is part of a broader trend among celebrities, including Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan, who are also taking steps to protect their public personas from unauthorized exploitation in advertisements and deepfake content. In the meantime, Mohanlal is eagerly awaiting the release of his highly anticipated film, Drishyam 3, directed by Jeethu Joseph, which is set to premiere soon.

Mohanlal's Legal Pursuit for Personality Rights

The surge in digital media and AI-generated content has raised significant concerns regarding the unauthorized use of personal identities, particularly for film stars. Reports indicate that Mohanlal has approached the Delhi High Court for legal safeguards concerning his personality rights. The case is expected to be reviewed by Justice Jyoti Singh. Personality rights grant individuals legal authority over how their identity is represented in public and commercial contexts.

These rights encompass various aspects, including a person's name, image, voice, signature, and physical likeness. Unique characteristics such as catchphrases or distinctive expressions may also be protected under these rights.

Understanding Personality Rights

Personality rights are typically categorized into two main types: the Right of Publicity, which prevents unauthorized commercial use of an individual's identity, and the Right to Privacy, which protects against intrusive or misleading representations, including deepfakes and altered images.

Mohanlal's legal initiative is part of a larger movement among public figures seeking to defend themselves against identity misuse. Other celebrities, including Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Johar, Hrithik Roshan, Jaya Bachchan, Rishab Shetty, and Akkineni Nagarjuna, have also sought legal recourse for similar issues. Previously, Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan secured court orders to limit unauthorized use of their identities in advertisements and AI-generated content. Recently, the Delhi High Court provided interim relief to Sonakshi Sinha in a comparable case.

Update on Drishyam 3 Release

In light of these legal developments, the release of Mohanlal's upcoming film Drishyam 3, directed by Jeethu Joseph, has been delayed. Initially scheduled for April 2, the film will now debut on May 21, coinciding with the actor's birthday. The postponement has been linked to reported tensions in the Gulf region. This film continues the story of the beloved character Georgekutty, furthering the popular Drishyam franchise.