Fact-Check Exposes ImpersonationIn a recent instance of online misinformation targeting the Indian film industry, a post falsely attributed to actor Arshad Warsi went viral across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, amassing over 50,000 shares within hours.
The fabricated quote claimed Warsi had mocked Telugu superstar Prabhas, stating he “should have retired after Baahubali’s glory” and labeling his upcoming horror-comedy The Raja Saab (directed by Maruthi and set for a pan-India release in late 2026) as a “career downfall.”A detailed fact-check by credible outlets like Alt News and Boom Live confirmed the post originated from a fake account (@ArshadWarsiOfficialFC)—created just days earlier with zero verification badge, stock profile photo, and no historical activity matching Warsi’s real handles (@ArshadWarsi on X/Instagram, with 1.2M+ followers).
The actor’s official profiles show no such statement; instead, Warsi has previously praised South Indian cinema, including Prabhas’ work in Baahubali.This incident highlights the surge in deepfake-style impersonations amid rising India-Pakistan tensions and pan-India film rivalries, where bots and troll farms amplify content to provoke fan wars—evident in the heated Prabhas vs. Bollywood debates that followed.