Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has found himself at the center of a major social media storm following his controversial actions during the International Film Festival of India's closing ceremony in Goa. The incident occurred just ahead of his upcoming film Dhurandhar's release, casting an unexpected shadow over what should have been a celebratory event.
The Controversial Moment That Sparked Outrage
While Ranveer Singh initially captured positive attention with his heartfelt tribute to Thalaivar Rajinikanth's five-decade contributions to cinema, the mood quickly shifted when he turned his attention to the critically acclaimed film Kantara. The event was attended by Kantara's director-actor Rishab Shetty, who watched from the audience as Ranveer expressed his admiration for the film.
The situation took a controversial turn when Ranveer referred to Guliga daiva's sister Chavudi as a female ghost and proceeded to perform an impression of the sacred possession scene. His enactment featured a cross-eyed, tongue-outstretched expression accompanied by what he called his primordial scream, directly in front of Shetty.
Mixed Reactions and Viral Fallout
Interestingly, Rishab Shetty appeared to enjoy the mimicry, breaking into laughter during Ranveer's performance. The Bollywood star further added fuel to the fire by jokingly pointing at Shetty from the stage and asking, Anybody here want to see me in Kantara 3? Tell this guy.
However, social media users didn't share Shetty's amusement. The video quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation across various platforms. Many netizens viewed Ranveer's actions as deeply disrespectful toward the sacred Tulunad Daivaradhane beliefs that form the cultural foundation of Kantara.
Netizens Voice Their Anger
One X user expressed their disappointment, writing: Ranveer's reaction to the Kantara scene really felt unnecessary and disrespectful. Another user took a stronger stance, stating: Ranveer Singh literally mocking Daiva Chavundi possession in Kantara. How low these movie stars can go for fame, money with zero respect for sacred Tulunad Daivaradhane beliefs. Shame.
The criticism extended to concerns about the potential impact on Ranveer's career, with one comment reading: Ranveer should have just kept his mouth shut and not have said anything about Kantara now people are mocking him for that uhhh he is costing the movie what it deserves.
Another angry social media user demanded accountability, posting: I hope being an ardent devotee of Daivas, Rishab Shetty called out that clown to not enact Daiva like that. That too in a comic way. No, neither we want Ranveer nor we want another Kantara. Enough is enough.
Awaiting Official Responses
As the controversy continues to gain momentum online, both Ranveer Singh and Rishab Shetty have maintained silence, choosing not to respond to the growing criticism. The incident highlights the delicate balance between humor and cultural sensitivity, particularly when dealing with deeply rooted religious and cultural practices depicted in cinema.
The timing is particularly sensitive given that Rishab Shetty's film Kantara Chapter 1 is reportedly set to hit the ₹850 crore mark, demonstrating the massive popularity and cultural significance of the franchise that makes such missteps particularly noticeable to its devoted fan base.
