Actor Vikram’s playful video with a Lar Gibbon, posted on Instagram and later taken down, has put the spotlight on the trade and transfer of exotic wild animals in Tamil Nadu. The state Forest Department has launched an investigation into how the animal reached a private residence in Injambakkam, Chennai.
According to reports, the video was shot at the residence of Vikram’s relatives in Injambakkam. The video showed the actor playing with and hugging the animal, drawing criticism from wildlife activists.
The Forest Department has sought ownership certificates and other documents from individuals linked to the possession and transfer of the Lar Gibbon.
Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra said the department was examining the circumstances under which the animal reached Chennai and whether all statutory requirements governing its possession and transfer had been complied with.
Yogesh Kulal, Wildlife Warden, Chennai, said the animal has since been moved from businessman C.K. Ranganathan’s residence in Injambakkam to Erode.
Lar Gibbons (Hylobates lar) are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Their import requires the requisite CITES import and export permissions, documentation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state to which they are being imported.
According to sources, the trail of the Lar Gibbons can be traced to Erode and, earlier to Manipur. Records show that Manipur-based stockholder Laikhuram Singh declared eight Lar Gibbons in 2020 under the declaration of stock of exotic live species through PARIVESH 1. Malaysia was listed as their country of origin, according to a report in The Hindu.
On the work front, Vikram was last seen in Veera Dheera Sooran (2025). Vikram’s next film have officially announced that debutant director Bodi Rajkumar will helm the project. Tentatively titled Chiyaan 63, the film will be backed by Shanthi Talkies, one of the fastest-rising production banners in Tamil cinema.