A few months back, actor Ranveer Singh was criticized for imitating the Daiva scene from Rishab Shetty's movie Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 at a public event. A FIR was filed against Ranveer on Wednesday at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru.
A complaint has been lodged against Ranveer Singh in Bengaluru.
Ranveer faces allegations of offending Hindu religious beliefs and the Chavundi Daiva tradition in coastal Karnataka. The charges were filed under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint was lodged by Prashanth Methal, an advocate from Bengaluru.
Information recorded in a First Information Report (FIR)
The FIR states that the supposed event occurred at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 28, 2025. The complainant alleged that Ranveer made insulting comments and conducted a satirical stage performance that purportedly disrespected esteemed aspects of the Daiva tradition.
In his complaint, the advocate alleged that Ranveer mimicked the expressions linked to Panjurli and Guliga Daiva, stating that he portrayed them in a crude, humorous, and disrespectful way. Prashanth further mentioned that Ranveer called the Chavundi Daiva a 'female ghost'.
The grievance stated that Chavundi Daiva is a respected guardian deity representing divine feminine energy in Karnataka's coastal areas. Referring to the deity as a ghost was a significant mischaracterization that offended religious feelings, according to the complainant.
The case has been directed to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru, with a hearing set for April 8. A private complaint was lodged by a Bengaluru lawyer on December 27 of the previous year in the Additional Judicial Magistrate, Bengaluru.
On January 23 of this year, the court instructed the High Grounds police station to file a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 175, clause 3 of the BNS.
Regarding the controversy surrounding the scene with Ranveer and Daiva
Following criticism, Ranveer issued an apology on social media. He stated, "My aim was to emphasize Rishab's outstanding performance in the movie. As a fellow actor, I understand the effort required to execute that specific scene as he did, and I hold him in the highest regard for it. I have always had profound respect for every culture, tradition, and belief in our nation. If I have offended anyone, I am truly sorry."
The event occurred during the IFFI 2025 closing ceremony, which Rishab was also present at. Ranveer took to the stage and mimicked Rishab Shetty's Daiva performance from the Kantara movies.
In footage from the event, Ranveer was observed stating, “I saw Kantara Chapter 1 in cinemas, and Rishab, your performance was exceptional, particularly the scene where the female spirit (Chamundi daiva) possesses you that moment was incredible.” He proceeded to mimic the scene even though Rishab had earlier requested him not to. Some online users labeled it as insensitive and disrespectful.