Ranveer Singh Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Religious Insult in Bengaluru
A First Information Report (FIR) has been officially registered against prominent Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru. The case, filed on Wednesday, accuses the actor of allegedly insulting Hindu religious sentiments and disrespecting the revered Chavundi Daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka.
Details of the Complaint and Alleged Incident
The FIR originates from an incident that occurred several months ago, when Ranveer Singh faced significant criticism for mimicking a Daiva scene from Rishab Shetty's acclaimed film Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. This alleged act took place during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which was held in Goa on November 28, 2025.
The case has been booked under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint was formally submitted by Prashanth Methal, a 46-year-old advocate based in Bengaluru.
Specific Allegations in the FIR
According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that Ranveer Singh made derogatory remarks and performed a mocking stage act that demeaned the sacred Daiva tradition. Methal claimed that the actor imitated expressions associated with Panjurli and Guliga Daiva in a crude and comical manner, which was perceived as highly disrespectful.
The complaint further alleged that Ranveer Singh referred to the sacred Chavundi Daiva as a "female ghost", a characterization that has sparked outrage among devotees and community members.
Why These Remarks Are Being Contested
The FIR clarifies that Chavundi Daiva is a revered guardian deity symbolizing divine feminine energy in the coastal regions of Karnataka. Portraying this deity as a ghost, according to the complainant, amounts to a serious misrepresentation that has hurt religious sentiments and caused mental agony to countless devotees.
The complainant stated that he first came across a video of the performance on December 2, 2025, while scrolling through Instagram at the Karnataka State Billiards Association in Bengaluru. The video was reportedly shared by an account named Brief Chaat.
The FIR further alleges that the act was deliberate and malicious, with the intention of outraging religious feelings and promoting hatred and enmity within society. This has raised concerns about the impact of such actions on social harmony.
Legal Proceedings and Court Involvement
A private complaint was initially filed on December 27, 2025, before the Additional Judicial Magistrate in Bengaluru. On January 23, 2026, the court directed the High Grounds police to register an FIR under Section 175, Clause 3 of the BNS.
The matter has now been referred to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru and is scheduled to be heard on April 8. This legal development highlights the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the allegations.
Background and Context
Ranveer Singh had previously apologized for the Kantara mimicry after facing backlash from various quarters. However, the filing of the FIR indicates that the issue has escalated to a formal legal level, with potential implications for the actor's public image and career.
The case underscores the sensitive nature of religious sentiments in India and the importance of cultural respect in public performances. It also reflects the growing scrutiny of celebrities' actions in the digital age, where videos can quickly go viral and spark widespread debate.
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Bengaluru courts to see how this high-profile case is resolved. The outcome could set a precedent for similar incidents involving public figures and religious sensitivities in the future.
