Bollywood’s energy bomb Ranveer Singh is once again making headlines but this time for his mimicry of Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara’ Daiva scene. A moment meant to be praise has now landed the actor in serious legal trouble.
An FIR has been registered against Ranveer Singh in Bengaluru on Wednesday, January 28. The complaint is linked to his mimicry of actor Rishab Shetty’s character from the blockbuster film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’.
According to the FIR, Ranveer allegedly mocked the sacred Daiva tradition, which is deeply respected in parts of Karnataka. The complaint states that referring to the deity as a “ghost” was insulting, blasphemous, hurtful to Hindu religious beliefs.
Complaint calls act “deliberate and malicious”
The complainant did not hold back. In the FIR, it was claimed that Ranveer’s act was intentional, deliberate, and meant to outrage religious feelings not just of one individual, but of millions of Hindu devotees.
The complaint further alleged that the mimicry promoted disrespect towards Chavundi Daiva, a sacred tradition. It said it could create disharmony between different religious groups. It also accused the actor of encouraging hatred and disturbing communal peace.
The case is under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections relate to hurting religious sentiments, insulting beliefs, and actions that may disturb harmony in society.
What exactly happened at IFFI Goa?
The incident took place during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last year. Ranveer was on stage praising Rishab Shetty’s performance in ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’.
While admiring a powerful scene, Ranveer said, “I saw that in the theatres, Rishab, it was an outstanding performance, especially when the female ghost gets inside your body, that one shot…”
That one line, caught on camera, quickly went viral.
Social media backlash forces apology
As videos spread online, many users called the comment insensitive and disrespectful. The backlash grew fast forcing Ranveer to issue a public apology.
Taking to Instagram Stories, he wrote that his intention was only to praise Rishab’s acting. He said he deeply respects all cultures, traditions, and beliefs, and apologised.
‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ explores the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, tracing its roots back to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Rishab Shetty plays Berme, the divine protector of forests and tribal communities.