Krunal Pandya's lookalike spotted in Pushpa 2 [Source: @RcbianOfficial and @desisigma/X.com]
The question on everyone’s mind: Did Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya act in the blockbuster movie Pushpa 2? The answer is no. Despite what social media buzz might suggest, Krunal did not appear in the film. However, fans couldn’t help but notice a striking resemblance between Krunal Pandya and Telugu actor Tarak Ponnappa, who played the antagonist Buggi Reddy in the movie.
Since the release of Pushpa 2, featuring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, the film has been making waves for breaking box office records and receiving rave reviews. But unexpectedly, Tarak Ponnappa’s look in the film has sparked a meme fest online, with fans hilariously comparing him to Krunal Pandya.
The similarities stem from their shared hairstyle and facial features. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with comments like:
Meanwhile, Actor Tarak Ponnappa noticed the growing buzz and memes about his resemblance to Krunal Pandya. He addressed the humor by resharing a post on his Instagram Stories, which read, “Guys, give Tarak Ponnappa some credit.” Tarak reacted with laughing emojis and added, “Lots of love for Krunal Pandya,” showing his lighthearted take on the comparisons.
Who Is Tarak Ponnappa in Pushpa 2?
Tarak Ponnappa plays Buggi Reddy, the nephew of Central Minister Kogatam Veera Pratap Reddy, and a key antagonist in Pushpa 2. Buggi’s character is pivotal in the movie’s climax, where he faces off against Allu Arjun’s character, Pushpa. While Tarak’s performance as Buggi has been praised, his uncanny resemblance to Krunal has stolen the spotlight online.
While the memes keep rolling, Krunal Pandya is busy making strides in his cricket career. After a successful stint with the Lucknow Super Giants, he was recently picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹5.75 crore in IPL 2025.