Ranveer Singh Faces Legal Action Over Kantara Daiva Imitation at IFFI
Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh finds himself embroiled in legal troubles as an FIR has been officially registered against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through his imitation of sacred daiva traditions from the acclaimed film Kantara. This development comes despite the actor's previous public apology for his actions during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last year.
The Complaint and Legal Proceedings
Advocate Prashanth Methal filed a private complaint before the 1st Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, accusing Ranveer Singh of mocking sacred traditions at a public event. Following the court's direction, the High Grounds police registered the FIR on Wednesday under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The complaint specifically alleges that during the IFFI Goa closing ceremony, Singh crudely imitated the divine expressions of Panjurli/Guliga Daiva from Rishab Shetty's 2024 epic action thriller Kantara: Chapter 1. Despite Shetty's apparent reluctance on stage, Singh proceeded with the imitation, which the complainant describes as disrespectful to the sacred daiva tradition.
Specific Allegations and Community Response
The legal complaint contains several serious allegations against the actor:
- Singh verbally referred to Chavundi Daiva as a female ghost, which the complainant considers derogatory
- The actor allegedly mocked the sacred Daiva tradition that holds deep significance for the Tulu community
- Singh was reportedly aware that his actions on an international platform would hurt religious sentiments given his global popularity
- The complainant became aware of the incident on December 2, 2025
This isn't the first formal complaint against Singh regarding this incident. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti had previously filed a complaint with the Panaji police, demanding a public apology and assurance that such performances wouldn't be repeated in the future. Their complaint emphasized that Chamundi Daiva is considered a sacred family deity, and any derogatory depiction could cause public resentment and disturb peace.
Ranveer Singh's Response and Professional Context
Following the initial backlash, Ranveer Singh took to his Instagram Stories to issue a public apology. He explained that his intention was to highlight Rishab Shetty's incredible performance in Kantara, expressing admiration for the challenging scene. Singh emphasized his deep respect for all cultures, traditions, and beliefs in India, concluding with a sincere apology if he had hurt anyone's sentiments.
Ironically, this controversy unfolded during the same week that Singh achieved a historic professional milestone. His film Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, became the highest grossing Indian film ever at the domestic box office, earning over Rs 890 crore in India and Rs 1300 crore globally. The sequel, Dhurandhar 2, is scheduled for release on March 19, adding another layer to this complex professional and personal situation for the actor.
The case highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and religious sensitivity in India's diverse cultural landscape, particularly when public figures engage with traditions that hold deep spiritual significance for specific communities.
