Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Videos show public reviews of Pushpa 2
Fact
Old and unrelated videos falsely linked to the Allu Arjun-starrer
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 hit movie, Pushpa: The Rise, was released worldwide on Thursday. Starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil in lead roles, ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ reportedly crossed the ₹100 Crore for the advance bookings for its first day.
Following its release, social media is abuzz with posts about the movie including public reviews, visuals from the ‘first day first show’ screenings, and discussions about the storyline.
As “#Pushpa2ThaRule” trends on X, multiple videos purportedly showing viewers’ reactions to the movie have surfaced online. Newschecker investigated two such alleged “honest reviews of Pushpa 2” and found them to be old, and unrelated to the movie.
Did This Viewer Call Pushpa 2 ‘Pathetic Movie With Only Fight Scenes’ ?
In a seven-second-long-clip, an elderly man is heard saying, “It is a pathetic movie. It only features actions and fights from the beginning to the end.” Social media users have shared the footage claiming to show a review of the Allu Arjun-starrer.
The post can be seen here.
Fact
On carefully analysing the clip, we noticed the watermark of ‘Viral Bollywood’ on the top left corner of the screen.
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Taking a clue, we scanned through the official YouTube page of Viral Bollywood, and found the viral clip was taken from a video posted on June 17, 2016. ‘Udta Punjab Full Movie Review | Public Review | Shahid Kapoor, Alia bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh & kareena,’ the caption of the video stated.
Centred around drug abuse in Punjab, ‘Udta Punjab’ featured Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh in the lead roles.
Did Man ‘Advise’ To Not Watch Pushpa 2 ‘Even At Gun Point’?
A video of a man saying, “…I would like to get imprisoned, but won’t like to watch this movie. The worst film made on this planet. Don’t watch this movie even at gunpoint,” has been shared as “Honest review of Pushpa 2.”
The post can be seen here.
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Fact
We found that the video was uploaded on a verified YouTube channel ‘@viralbollywood’ on August 4, 2017. ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal Movie Review | Shahrukh Khan,’ the title of the video stated.
In the longer version of the ‘review’ movie, the man is seen criticising director Imtiaz Ali, and Shah Rukh Khan. “Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma and Imtiaz Ali should get an Oscar for making such a pathetic film,” the man is heard saying.
‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ is a 2017 Bollywood film written and directed by Imtiaz Ali which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma in the lead roles.
Conclusion
Hence, old videos of public criticising movies ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ and ‘Udta Punjab’ have been falsely shared as “honest” reviews of Pushpa 2.
Result: False
Sources
YouTube Video By Viral Bollywood, Dated June 17, 2016
YouTube Video By Viral Bollywood, Dated August 4, 2017
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
