A viral picture circulating on social media claims that Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya made an appearance in Allu Arjun’s highly anticipated movie, Pushpa 2: The Rule. The claim has sparked widespread speculation, with users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) sharing posts and screenshots allegedly showing Pandya in the film. But is this claim true? Let’s uncover the facts.
What’s Going Viral?
Social media is abuzz with posts suggesting that Krunal Pandya has made a surprise acting debut in Pushpa 2. A user named Kishan posted, “Krunal Pandya was great in Pushpa 2,” while another user, RajmaChawal, remarked, “No one noticed Krunal Pandya’s cameo in Pushpa 2.” Similar posts, along with screenshots from the movie, have been widely shared, adding fuel to the rumor.
FactCheck India Investigation
To verify the authenticity of this claim, FactCheck India conducted a thorough investigation using online tools and reliable sources. Here’s what we found:
- Identifying the Lookalike: The viral image features a character from Pushpa 2 who bears a striking resemblance to Krunal Pandya. However, the individual in question is not the cricketer but actor Tarak Ponnappa. Tarak plays the role of Bugga Reddy, a villain in the movie.
- Confirmation via Instagram: To clarify further, we examined Tarak Ponnappa’s Instagram account. On December 11, Tarak shared a screenshot of a post by Krunal Pandya addressing the rumors. The post humorously acknowledged the resemblance but confirmed that Pandya had no involvement in the film.
- Additional Sources: Articles and reports from credible sources also confirm that Krunal Pandya has not ventured into acting. The confusion stems purely from the uncanny resemblance between the two individuals.
The Verdict
The claim that cricketer Krunal Pandya appeared in Pushpa 2: The Rule is false. The character being mistaken for Pandya is actually played by actor Tarak Ponnappa. Social media users are advised to verify such claims before sharing them to avoid spreading misinformation.
Why This Matters
The buzz around Pushpa 2 has made it a hot topic in the entertainment world, leading to heightened curiosity and, unfortunately, some misinformation. FactCheck India remains committed to debunking such false claims and ensuring that readers receive accurate and verified information.
Stay tuned for more fact-checks and updates from the world of entertainment!