The internet on June 25 was abuzz with headlines claiming that a life-size statue of Virat Kohli was unveiled at New York’s  Times Square, with images and videos to go along with it.

But, was it real? Though the caption of the video posted by the sleep solutions brand on X claimed, “Just Unveiled: A  larger-than-life statue of Virat Kohli at the iconic Times Square”, it also mentioned #CGI in the last hashtag, possibly hinting that it was Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI).

Right below the post, many users speculated the video to be computer-generated and not real.

Upon closer inspection of the video, the air balloon hovering above the statue appears to be animated.

Usually, the onlookers at Times Square — a place that is always in the spotlight — post even the slightest of attraction on their social media, however, there was no buzz in the media about the reported statue.

Only the sleep solutions company who posted the video, and Virat Kohli, brand ambassador for them, have shared it on their socials.

So, is the statue of Kohli ‘real or made up’?

In the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and CGI, anyone can be spoofed by the creative marketing tactics adopted by companies.

Earlier, such marketing tactics have also been adopted by advertising agencies in Ahmedabad as they have shown computer-generated images of statues, products, aeroplanes and other brands floated  or unveiled on the Sabarmati Riverfront.

At Times Square, billboard costs can range from $5,000 for a 1-day programme to well over $50,000, according to a US-based advertising company’s website. So, one can imagine the costs and civic permissions needed for unveiling a life-size statue at one of the world’s most popular spots.

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