An FIR was registered in Bengaluru against actor Ranveer Singh for allegedly mimicking a sacred Daiva ritual from Kantara at a public event, with a complainant claiming the act hurt religious sentiments and disrespected traditional beliefs of local devotees.
BENGALURU: An FIR has been filed against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, known for his role in Dhurandhar, in Bengaluru after he allegedly mimicked a sacred Daiva performance from the Kannada blockbuster Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 during a public event, leading to controversy and claims of offending religious sentiments.
The High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru registered the First Information Report (FIR) against Singh under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a private complaint from 46-year-old Prashanth Methal, a Bengaluru based advocate. Methal contends that Singh’s performance was disrespectful to the Daiva tradition.
Factual Background Of the Case:
The incident occurred during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 28, 2025. While on stage, Singh praised Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara and proceeded to mimic a Daiva scene from the film.
According to the FIR and the complaint, Singh imitated expressions connected with Panjurli and Guliga Daiva, both aspects of the traditional Daiva culture that is revered in Coastal Karnataka.
He reportedly referred to Chavundi Daiva, a guardian spirit embodying divine feminine energy as a “female ghost,” which devotees find deeply offensive and disrespectful.
The complainant stated he first viewed a video of the performance on December 2, 2025, on Instagram and felt that the portrayal was degrading, crude, and hurtful to religious sentiments.
Chavundi Daiva holds significant cultural and religious importance, particularly among Tulu-speaking communities in Coastal Karnataka. Devotees regard these Daiva entities as divine guardians, integral to local traditions and spiritual beliefs, rather than mere folklore or entertainment.
The Complaint and Controversy:
The complaint argues that by trivializing such traditions through “comical” mimicry and labeling a revered spirit as a ghost, Singh’s act crossed cultural boundaries, resulting in severe mental anguish and outrage among followers.
The matter has been referred to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Bengaluru for legal proceedings, with the next hearing set for April 8, 2026.
The complaint was initially lodged on December 27, 2025, and the court mandated the registration of the FIR on January 23, 2026, under provisions related to outraging religious sentiments.
In response to the backlash, Singh took to Instagram, stating:
“My intention was to highlight Rishab’s incredible performance. I deeply respect every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”
Despite the apology, the legal case has continued, reflecting the ongoing sensitivities around religious representation in public performances and the responsibilities of public figures when engaging with spiritual traditions.
This case signifies a broader conversation in Indian entertainment regarding the distinction between admiration and misrepresentation, particularly when artistic productions draw upon actual cultural and religious practices. The Kantara films highlighted Daiva traditions with artistic intent, but mimicry without proper context especially on prominent platforms like the IFFI has sparked debate on the need to respect religious beliefs and cultural diversity.