Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Rana Daggubati on Gaming App Probe: 'Legalities Will Be Completed Later, Message Comes First'
Some movie stars, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverakonda, are being asked questions by a special police team in Hyderabad.
This is because they promoted apps that people can bet money on, which is against the law in that area.
Rana told reporters that it's important to send the right message about gaming first, and the legal stuff can be sorted out later.
He wants to help explain how to message correctly about these apps.
Other actors have also explained their involvement, with some saying they only promoted games of skill in places where it's legal, or that they stopped promoting an app when they felt it was wrong.
A businessman complained to the police because he was worried about these illegal betting apps being advertised.
Actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the SIT in Hyderabad for questioning regarding alleged illegal betting/gaming app promotions.
Daggubati stated that communicating the correct message about gaming is a priority, with legalities to be completed later.
The investigation stems from an FIR filed by a businessman against 25 celebrities and influencers for promoting illegal betting platforms.
Other celebrities like Vijay Deverakonda and Prakash Raj have also clarified their roles, with Deverakonda limiting endorsements to skill-based games in legal regions and Raj stating he stopped promoting a platform due to personal values.
Rana Daggubati is also simultaneously making headlines for a film project adaptation of Aravind Adiga's novel, starring Manoj Bajpayee.
- Who
- Actor Rana Daggubati, along with other celebrities like Prakash Raj and Vijay Deverakonda
- What
- Appeared for questioning in an alleged illegal betting/gaming app promotion case, with Daggubati emphasizing the importance of messaging over legalities.
- When
- Recently (following an FIR filed earlier this year)
- Where
- Special Investigation Team (SIT) office in Hyderabad
- Why
- To address concerns regarding their promotion of online betting platforms, which led to an FIR filed by a businessman.
Celebrities' Stances
Investigating Authority's Position
Role in Endorsements
Celebrities' Stances
Rana Daggubati emphasized his commitment to spreading the right message about gaming and assisting the investigation, while acknowledging legalities will follow. Vijay Deverakonda's team stated his endorsements were limited to skill-based games in legally permitted regions. Prakash Raj explained he stopped promoting a gaming platform after realizing it didn't align with his values.
Investigating Authority's Position
The SIT is investigating celebrities and influencers, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverakonda, for allegedly promoting illegal betting platforms, following an FIR filed by a businessman concerned about such endorsements.
- Actor Questioned
- Rana Daggubati
- Investigating Body
- Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Location
- Hyderabad
- Reason for Investigation
- Alleged illegal promotion of betting/gaming apps
- Related Celebrities
- Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi
- Filing Person
- PM Phanindra Sarma (Businessman)
- Daggubati's statement on gaming
- Emphasis on correct messaging and helping spread the message about gaming apps, with legalities to be addressed later.
