Bollywood sensation Ranveer Singh is only days away from the launch of his highly awaited film Dhurandhar, set to hit cinemas on December 5.However, the enthusiasm around the project has recently been overshadowed by a controversy that unfolded following the actor's presence at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. What was meant to be a light-hearted moment on stage has now triggered public backlash, formal complaints and demands for an apology.
Ranveer Singh's Kantara controversy explained
The event took place when Ranveer performed the climax scene from Kantara - Chapter 1 in front of the crowd, which included director-actor Rishab Shetty. While performing the imitation, he referenced the sacred Chamundi Daiva, a spiritual entity depicted in the film and revered in coastal Karnataka, and compared it to a female ghost. The remark was met with laughter from some people present at the ceremony, but it soon became a point of outrage once a clip of the act surfaced online.
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The viral clip rapidly circulated on social media, as numerous users condemned Ranveer's performance as insensitive and tone-deaf. Several viewers argued that what looked like harmless humour to the actor came across as deeply disrespectful to those who follow the Daiva tradition.
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.Rishabh is enjoying that mimic?@RanveerOfficial @shetty_rishab pic.twitter.com/F4x0X2rVmA
— Vije (@vijeshetty) November 29, 2025
Complaint filed against Ranveer Singh
The situation intensified when the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) submitted a formal complaint against the actor. The PTI report stated that the organization claimed Ranveer had "offended Goddess Chamundadevi by portraying the deity in a disrespectful way."
In the complaint filed by HJS members Pramod Tuyekar and Dilip Shetye to the Panaji police, the group called on the authorities to act under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The memorandum indicated that Chamundi Daiva is regarded as a revered family god of the Kotitulu/Tulu community, and portraying the deity in an undignified manner may incite discord and offend religious feelings. Along with legal action, HJS has also demanded that Ranveer issue a public apology. They said the actor should promise not to engage in similar remarks or performances in the future. It also appealed to IFFI organisers to frame a code of conduct to ensure no deity or spiritual tradition is mocked during award ceremonies or public events. While urging supporters to voice their concerns, HJS clarified that protests must remain peaceful and within legal boundaries.
Ranveer Singh’s apology
This morning, after being brutally trolled, Ranveer Singh took to his Instagram story to share an official apology for mimicking the sacred Daiva scene from Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1. His post read: “My intention was to highlight Rishab's incredible performance in the film. 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. I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”
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