Actor Sivakarthikeyan, joined by badminton legend Pullela Gopichand and chess grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju, has officially launched Fanly, a new digital entertainment platform designed to bridge the gap between celebrities and their fanbase in a toxicity-free environment. The launch event in Chennai introduced the app as a secure alternative to traditional social media, aiming to eliminate fake accounts and unverified news while fostering direct engagement.
Developed by founders Saravanan Kanakaraju and Srinivasan Babu, Fanly positions itself as a dedicated space for the entertainment industry where stars can share exclusive content and organize private fan events. The Amaran star, who is the first major icon to join the platform, used the occasion to articulate his philosophy on stardom. “I don’t want fans who worship me. Worship is reserved for God and your parents. I want fans who treat me like a friend or a brother,” Sivakarthikeyan stated, noting that the new platform is suited for that specific kind of relationship.
Addressing the current state of digital discourse, the actor admitted that he largely stays away from mainstream social media due to the negativity involved. He praised the app’s focus on authenticity, stating that in an era where people fight over false information, a platform that eliminates noise is crucial. A key technical feature of the app is its proprietary AI tool, Senti-meter, which moderates content to filter out abuse and rewards positive interaction.
The event also featured Uber Senior Director of Engineering Manikandan Tangaratnam. During his address, Sivakarthikeyan lightheartedly remarked on the intellect of his co-guests, Gopichand and Gukesh, joking that his profession allows him to have “a little less intellect” so he can better follow a director’s vision without overthinking. The Fanly app is now available for download on major app stores.