Audio-video goes viral, star actors' names; another burden for Madenuru Manu

The rape case against comedian Madenuru Manu of 'Comedy Khiladigalu' fame is getting serious day by day. The case, which has been accused of physical assault, threat to life, cheating after promising marriage, has taken a new turn – the police have obtained 31-month-old WhatsApp chats of Manu and the victim. The chat, which ran from November 2022 to May 2025, contained thousands of messages that raised significant concerns about the investigation. The chats featured references to personal conversations, marriage-related conversations, violence, terrorism. All this information has been recorded by the police in the form of crime evidence.

Four mobile phones belonging to Manu and the victim have been seized and sent to the FSL. In most of the audio and video messages, the names of many actors and actresses from the film industry have been mentioned and now the police are planning to question some film stars as well. Audio clips of him talking about home, sexual relations and tying the knot have gone viral on social media. Manu is also facing charges of defaming the Kannada film industry, including using vulgar and harsh words against some star actors.

The names of several popular actors, including some television actors, have been doing the rounds in the case, which has come as a big shock to the Kannada film industry. It remains to be seen in which direction the case will go in the coming days.