Chiyaan Vikram has faced online criticism after a video showing him interacting with a Lar Gibbon sparked questions about the animal’s ownership and legal status in India. While social media users have raised concerns over the exotic animal, allegations about its origin and Vikram’s ownership remain unverified, with no confirmed finding of wrongdoing currently established.
Chiyaan Vikram trolled over Lar Gibbon video
Chiyaan Vikram’s casual social media post has snowballed into a heated online debate. The actor recently shared a video showing a playful and affectionate interaction with a Lar Gibbon, which initially drew attention for its unusual and endearing nature. However, social media users soon scrutinized the clip more closely, raising questions about whether keeping such an animal as a pet is legally permitted in India — a line of questioning that quickly turned into criticism directed at the actor.The controversy gained further traction after journalist Siddharth Prabhakar shared the video and alleged that the Lar Gibbon was an exotic species from Southeast Asia allegedly brought into India through multiple locations before reaching Chennai. He further alleged that Vikram had taken down the original post once the issue began gaining attention. It is important to note that these claims have not been independently established. Nevertheless, the allegations spread rapidly online, with several users questioning how the animal was kept in a private setting, while others criticised celebrities more broadly for allegedly keeping exotic wildlife without proper permissions.
Why is Lar Gibbon ownership a concern? Wildlife rules explained
The online debate has also drawn attention to the legal status of Lar Gibbons in India. The species is native to parts of Southeast Asia and falls under international wildlife trade protections, listed under CITES Appendix I, which imposes strict controls on the cross-border trade of the species. Within India, the possession, import, transfer or registration of exotic wildlife may be subject to specific regulatory and documentation requirements.Merely possessing a Lar Gibbon does not, on its own, establish a legal violation, the circumstances surrounding its acquisition, import, and continued possession would ultimately determine whether any law has been breached. While the social media allegations surrounding Vikram’s video have raised questions, no confirmed finding of wrongdoing has been presented in the material currently circulating online.
Chiyaan Vikram’s upcoming film
Away from the ongoing controversy, Chiyaan Vikram continues to focus on his professional commitments. The actor is currently preparing for his upcoming action thriller directed by Anand Shankar, in which he will reportedly play the role of a cook. The project has already generated considerable interest owing to the actor’s reunion with Anand Shankar, with whom he previously collaborated on Iru Mugan.
