Social media has been swept up in a fresh wave of confusion and comedy after a series of clips claiming to show Govinda in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ went viral. Days after the film’s global release, posts suggesting the Bollywood actor made an appearance on Pandora prompted amusement, disbelief and a fair amount of head-scratching online.

Though the visuals appeared convincing to some viewers, none of them reflect reality.

AI-generated clips spark frenzy

Soon after ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ hit theatres worldwide, several videos surfaced on X showing Govinda transformed into a Na’vi, painted blue and delivering lines in his trademark manner. Some edits even placed him on the big screen wearing a bright jacket next to Jake Sully.

While many users recognised the humour instantly, others genuinely wondered whether James Cameron had orchestrated an improbable crossover.

One user asked, "Govinda wala Avatar full movie kaha dekhne milega? sirf insta pe hi hai?" (Where can I watch the full movie Avatar with Govinda? Is it only on Instagram?). Another wrote, "Ain't no way James Cameron convinced Govinda to do a cameo in Avatar 3." A third post read, "Finally Govinda Made Biggest Comeback with #AvatarFireAndAsh Cameo."

The viral memes divided audiences between those enjoying the joke and those questioning whether the cameo could be real.

Despite the social media buzz, Govinda does not feature in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ in any form. All the widely shared clips were generated using artificial intelligence and created by fans solely for entertainment. The studio and filmmakers have made no mention of any involvement from the actor.

Old Govinda interview adds fuel to the joke

The humour travelled even further because of a resurfaced interview in which Govinda claimed he was once approached for Cameron’s ‘Avatar’. Speaking to Mukesh Khanna, he said, "I even left an offer of ₹21.5 crore, although I remember this because it was painful."

He continued, "I had met a Sardarji in America and gave him a business idea to work in sweets and delicacies. Some years later, he said that the idea worked wonders for him. There, he made me meet James Cameron. He asked me to do a film with James, so I invited them for dinner to discuss it." Govinda further added, "Picture ka title bhi maine hi diya tha" (I also gave the title of the movie).

Explaining why he supposedly declined, he said, "He said the shoot will be for 410 days. I said that it is okay, but if I paint my body, I will be in the hospital!"

However, his wife Sunita Ahuja later contradicted this narrative. In a podcast with Uorfi Javed, she said, "Arey yaar mujhe toh nahi pata yeh kab offer hui, 40 saal toh mujhe hogaye hain Govinda ke saath" ( I don't know when this offer came, it has been 40 years since I have been with Govinda.) She added, "Vo Avatar ka director-producer kab aaya mujhe nahi malum. Hui bhi hai ki nahi mujhe nahi malum" (I don't know if the director approached him.). Distancing herself from the claim, she said, "Main jhooth nahi bolti naa main kisi ka side lungi. Main jhooth ka saath nahi deti" (I don't lie, nor will I take anyone's side. I don't support lies.)

Avatar franchise continues its run

Directed by James Cameron, the first Avatar was released in 2009, followed by ‘The Way of Wate’r in 2022. The latest instalment, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, is currently running in cinemas worldwide – with no Govinda cameo, despite what the internet might wish.