Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has publicly apologized following a major controversy stemming from his comments at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 closing ceremony in Goa. The actor faced intense online criticism and a formal police complaint after his remarks about a pivotal scene in the hit film 'Kantara' were deemed disrespectful to religious sentiments.
The Controversial Remarks and Immediate Backlash
The incident occurred on Friday during the festival's closing event in Panaji, Goa. While praising actor-director Rishabh Shetty's powerful performance in 'Kantara', Singh referenced the film's now-iconic climax sequence involving divine possession. In his praise, the actor mistakenly referred to the depicted goddess as a 'female ghost' and briefly imitated the moment on stage.
Given the deep cultural and religious significance of the scene, which portrays the Goddess Chamundadevi (Chamundi Daiva) revered by the Tulu community, his choice of words sparked immediate outrage. Many netizens and community members found his comment and imitation to be highly inappropriate and disrespectful.
Formal Complaint and Demand for Apology
The backlash escalated on Monday when the Hindu organization Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) filed a formal complaint with the Panaji Police. Representatives Pramod Tuyekar and Dilip Shetye submitted a memorandum to Sub-Inspector Sahin Shetye.
The complaint alleged that Singh had insulted Goddess Chamundadevi by imitating the divine form and using the term "female ghost." The HJS stated that the deity is a sacred family god for the Kotitulu community, and any derogatory depiction could cause public resentment and disturb peace. They sought action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for hurting religious sentiments and demanded a public apology from the actor, along with an assurance that he would refrain from such remarks in the future.
Ranveer Singh's Public Apology
Amid growing calls for an apology from various groups, Ranveer Singh addressed the issue on Tuesday via his social media channels. In his statement, he clarified his intentions and expressed regret.
"My intention was to highlight Rishabh's incredible performance in the film," Singh wrote. "Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene in the way that he did, for which he has my utmost admiration."
He explicitly stated that he never meant to show disrespect to any culture or beliefs. "I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country," he added. "If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise."
Timing Ahead of Crucial Film Release
This controversy emerges at a critical juncture in Ranveer Singh's career. The actor is awaiting the theatrical release of his upcoming action film 'Dhurandhar' on Friday, December 5. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, features a star-studded cast including Arjun Rampal, Kashaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun. Industry observers are watching to see if the controversy impacts the film's public reception.
The original 'Kantara', released on October 2, 2025, became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of regional folklore and its gripping narrative centered around a local deity. The scene in question is a cornerstone of the film's emotional and spiritual climax.
