Kantara controversy: Ranveer Singh faces legal trouble from Bengaluru advocate

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has landed in legal trouble and sparked widespread criticism after reportedly mimicking actor Rishab Shetty from the blockbuster film Kantara: Chapter 1 at the closing ceremony of the 2025 International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The act has drawn sharp reactions for allegedly disrespecting the Daiva tradition and hurting the religious sentiments of the Tulu-speaking community.

A Bengaluru-based advocate, Prashanth Methal, who practises at the Karnataka High Court, filed a complaint at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru. Methal’s complaint states that Singh mocked the sacred “Daiva” ritual, referring to it as a “ghost” and performing it as a caricature. He described the act as “crude, derogatory, and comical,” and argued that it inflicted “deep hurt” to the religious feelings of millions, particularly the Tulu-speaking community. The advocate demanded the registration of an FIR (First Information Report) and legal proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, citing sections that deal with deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, wounding religious sentiments, and promoting enmity between communities.

During the IFFI ceremony, Singh praised Shetty, saying, "I saw that in the theatres, Rishab, it was an outstanding performance, especially when the female ghost gets inside your body, that one shot..." He then attempted to mimic the scene, leaving Shetty laughing. Singh later clarified on Instagram Stories: "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." He added, "I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise." Despite his explanation, critics argued that the performance was crude and embarrassing, trivializing sacred rituals and deity-possession sequences that hold deep spiritual significance, and not merely a benign actor-to-actor tribute.

Kantara: Chapter 1 explores the origins of Deva worship in Tulunadu, tracing its roots to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Shetty plays Berme, protector of the Kantara forest and its tribal communities, resisting a royal family’s attempt to seize control. The film features Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, and supporting performances by Rakesh Poojari, Hariprashanth MG, Deepak Rai Panaje, Shaneel Gautham, and Naveen Bondel. The deity-possession and communal rituals depicted carry spiritual weight, which critics argue Singh undermined through casual mimicry.

The controversy highlights the tension between artistic expression and respect for cultural and religious traditions. This complaint follows similar actions, including one by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, emphasizing the sensitivity of public performances involving sacred rituals. While the police are yet to register an FIR, authorities are examining whether the complaint warrants formal legal action. Observers note that the case underscores the scrutiny celebrities face in navigating cultural and religious sensitivities, especially when engaging with revered traditions in public forums.