A fortnight after issuing a warning about an Instagram account impersonating its producer, a prominent Telugu production house has reported that an individual is falsely using the name of its producer to mislead people.
Warning from Mythri Movie Makers
In a post on its official X timeline, Mythri Movie Makers stated, “It has come to our attention that an individual is falsely using the name of our producer, Mr. Naveen Yerneni Garu, and approaching people under false pretenses. He is using the phone number +91 7543869902 and an Instagram account to pretend as Mr. Naveen garu.”
The production house urged everyone to report the fraudulent number and Instagram account. They added, “Please note that any official communication will come from our handle @MythriOfficial.”
Earlier this month, the production house had issued a similar warning regarding fake casting agents.
Alert Against Fake Casting
On its official X handle, Mythri Movie Makers cautioned the public, stating, “Every casting call from Mythri Movie Makers will only be announced through our official handle @MythriOfficial. We request everyone not to engage with any individuals or agencies claiming to cast for our films.”
The production house also emphasized that an Instagram account impersonating Mr. Naveen Yerneni Garu had come to their notice, urging vigilance against such misleading profiles.
Wider Issue in the Industry
Mythri is not the only production house confronting this issue of impersonation. In November, actor Kamal Haasan’s production firm, Raaj Kamal Films International, clarified that it had not hired any casting agents for its films. They released a statement saying, “This is to clarify that Raaj Kamal Films International has not hired any casting agents for any of our films. Please do not trust any e-mails, messages and social media posts received by you for this purpose. Legal action will be taken if any party is found falsely using Raaj Kamal Films International name in any unauthorized manner.”
Other notable production houses have also faced similar problems this year. In August, Neelam Productions, headed by renowned director and producer Pa Ranjith, advised actors to be cautious of fake casting calls. They posted a warning on their X timeline, stating, “Beware of FAKE AUDITION CALLS in the name of Neelam Productions. Please check for casting calls and audition alerts only from our official social handles.”
Neelam Productions further shared a poster that read, “FAKE AUDITION ALERT! It has come to our attention that numerous audition calls/posters are being circulated in the name of Neelam Productions. We declare that these AUDITION CALLS ARE FAKE AND NOT TO TRUST THEM.”
Concerns from Other Actors
This issue of fake casting calls isn’t limited to production houses. Tamil film actor Sibi Sathyaraj, son of the well-known actor Sathyaraj, recently alerted the public about a fraudulent casting call in his name. He clarified that he had no association with the individual or the project mentioned in the call.
Additionally, in February, Sreyas, the director of Wunderbar Films, cautioned against miscreants issuing fake casting calls, asserting that any casting calls made in his or Wunderbar Films’ name were “absolutely fake and baseless.” He addressed the public on his X handle, stating, “Hello, This is to bring to everyone’s attention that any casting calls under my name or Wunderbar Films Pvt Ltd is absolutely false and baseless.”
Prince Pictures, another reputed production house, has also issued warning notices to alert actors against fraudsters claiming to offer acting roles for money or other favors.
As the problem of impersonation and fake casting calls continues to affect many in the industry, it remains imperative for both production houses and aspiring actors to stay vigilant against such deceptive practices.