Actor R. Madhavan has publicly criticised wellness and functional health platform Elevate Now for allegedly using a modified excerpt from one of his past interviews without permission. According to Madhavan, the clip was edited and circulated in a way that made it appear as though he was promoting the company’s weight management programmes.

Taking to social media, the actor shared a screenshot of the advertisement in question and strongly objected to the unauthorised usage. He stated that the content falsely projected his endorsement and confirmed that legal action had been initiated. “Legal notice sent,” he wrote, cautioning followers to be wary of such practices.

What Triggered the Controversy

The promotional material that drew Madhavan’s attention reportedly featured a segment from an older interview where he discussed his personal fitness approach. The brand allegedly incorporated that footage into marketing content for its customised weight-loss services, which include biomarker testing and tailored health plans.

Madhavan expressed outrage over what he described as a misuse of his words and image, arguing that no individual or organisation has the right to extract interview clips and present them as endorsements without explicit approval.

In his post, he also warned the public to stay alert when evaluating health and wellness claims made online.

His Personal Fitness Journey

The resurfaced interview clip is believed to have originated from a conversation about the actor’s physical transformation for the 2022 film Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, in which he portrayed scientist Nambi Narayanan.

During an earlier appearance with Curly Tales, Madhavan had spoken in detail about his disciplined eating habits. He revealed that mindful chewing — breaking down each bite extensively — played a key role in maintaining his health. He also mentioned undergoing allergy testing to determine foods that suited his body, then building a simple, home-style meal plan accordingly.

The actor shared that he avoided raw food items after mid-afternoon, preferred freshly prepared dishes and typically finished his final meal before evening. Intermittent fasting, he added, further supported his fitness goals.

On the Professional Front

Most recently, Madhavan appeared in director Aditya Dhar’s action drama Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge.

While the legal matter unfolds, the actor’s firm response has reignited conversations around celebrity endorsements, digital content ethics and the responsibility brands hold in representing public figures accurately.