Even the sharpest eyes can be fooled by today’s sophisticated AI deepfake videos, a fact that Indian actor R Madhavan learned the hard way. The actor recently admitted he was taken in by a strikingly realistic clip showing football legend Cristiano Ronaldo praising Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. Convinced that it was genuine, Madhavan proudly shared the video on Instagram, only to be informed by Virat Kohli’s wife and actress Anushka Sharma that the clip was AI-generated.
Speaking in an interview, Madhavan recalled coming across the reel, which featured Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly showering Virat Kohli with compliments, calling him a legend and expressing how much he enjoyed watching him bat. Believing the admiration to be real, he circulated the video without a second thought. Anushka Sharma’s message correcting him came as a surprise and a lesson in caution.
R Madhavan admitted the incident was embarrassing but acknowledged it as a reminder that even those who consider themselves aware can be caught off guard. After Anushka pointed out the flaws in the video, he realised just how convincing such fabrications can be. He stressed the importance of checking the credibility of anything before forwarding it online.
On the professional front, Madhavan has been busy with diverse projects. He recently appeared in “Aap Jaisa Koi” alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh and in “Test” with Nayanthara and Siddharth. His latest release “Hisaab Barabar” directed by Ashwni Dhir premiered at the 55th International Film Festival of India in November 2024. The film tells the story of a railway ticket checker uncovering corruption through suspicious bank transactions.
Anushka Sharma, meanwhile, has faced disappointment with reports that her long-awaited film Chakda Xpress, a biopic on cricketer Jhulan Goswami, has been shelved. The decision has saddened fans and cast members alike, with co-star Renuka Shahane praising Anushka’s dedication to the role and the film’s importance in spotlighting women’s sports.
As for Virat Kohli, he is currently in the UK, preparing for his return to One Day International cricket. Having retired from the Test format in May 2025, Virat Kohli has resumed training in London ahead of India’s upcoming ODI series against Australia in October.
