An old Coca Cola ad featuring Radikaa Sarathkumar endorsing the soft drink has gone viral, eliciting abuse and trolling directed at the actor.
In the ad, Radikaa Sarathkumar says that Coca Cola is safe for consumption and that she drinks it. Standing before a Coke factory, Radikaa says, "I want to talk to you about something important. For the past several days, people have been raising questions about Coca Cola. I don't believe this. I have been drinking Coca Cola for many years. Everyone knows this company. I want to find out the truth. Because the welfare of my family is important, too."
The actor then takes us inside the factory where she can be seen talking to employees about the drink and its bottling process. According to her, the product is tested for quality over 400 times and the process is standardized across 200 countries. "You can also visit a Coca Cola factory and ask to know more," she says.
"I fully believe this. It's perfectly safe to drink it. So, whenever you feel like it, you and your family can drink Coca Cola and enjoy," she signs off.
The ad is part of a 'testimonial' series that the soft drink MNC came up with after allegations that Coca Cola was unsafe for consumption. Aamir Khan is among the celebrities to have done the ads.
It's unclear why the ad has resurfaced years after it was shot but Radikaa has certainly been put in a spot because of it. Following the jallikattu protests in January this year, there has been a lot of public anger directed towards Coca Cola and Pepsi since they are among the companies that draw water from the Thamirabarani river.
A hilarious troll video meme juxtaposing Radikaa's statements with comedian Vadivelu's and troll favourite actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth's reactions has been doing the rounds.
Watch:
And here's another!
Watch:
Radikaa Sarathkumar is yet to respond.