A row brewed up around Bollywood figure Ranveer Singh after he recreated a moment from the hit Kannada movie Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 during a live gathering. This move stirred reactions because it touched on rituals tied to the Daiva belief system. Though he stepped forward with an apology not long afterward, authorities took note. Legal steps followed, leading to a formal complaint being logged at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru.
Reports from NDTV say the FIR was lodged after claims of offending Hindu religious feelings along with undermining the Chavundi Daiva practice common in coastal Karnataka. Police opened the matter citing Sections 196, 299, and 302 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
That night in Goa still lingers, long after the lights dimmed at IFFI 2025. Not far past midnight on November 28, something shifted without warning. Up stepped Ranveer Singh, moving like someone possessed by an old rhythm. He reenacted a moment from Kantara Chapter 1 – unplanned, unfiltered. The figure he copied stands sacred in parts of Karnataka, known as Daiva. Applause came first, then silence, followed by waves of backlash across screens everywhere. What seemed like admiration twisted into offense for many. Reaction spread fast, sharp, beyond anyone’s control.
That moment when the spirit takes over feels electric, Ranveer said during his set, recalling how he saw Kantara Chapter 1 on the big screen. He praised Rishab’s portrayal, calling it powerful, especially in scenes where Chamundi Daiva possesses him – one image stood out sharply. Though meant as admiration, some online responses questioned whether such moments should be reenacted at all. Sacred traditions sit differently for different people, which made parts of the audience uneasy. The line between tribute and imitation blurred for a few viewers scrolling through clips later.
The Complaint
From Bangalore comes lawyer Prashanth Methal, filing a case over what Ranveer Singh did on stage. His performance copied gestures tied to Panjurli and Guliga Daiva – figures sacred in the Chavundi Daiva faith. What stood out, Methal said, was calling one of these spirits a “female ghost.” That phrase stung, felt insulting, struck many followers as disrespectful. The portrayal didn’t sit right, stirred strong feelings among those who honor the tradition.
Chavundi Daiva stands as a protective spirit tied to sacred female power along Karnataka’s coast, per the grievance filed. Calling it a “ghost” twisted its deep-rooted meaning, sparking anger across followers. In another turn, Methal pointed out how Ranveer shaped the portrayal into something clumsy and mocking – far from solemn reverence.
A private complaint started things in Bengaluru’s courts on December 27, 2025, landing at the desk of an Additional Judicial Magistrate. By January 23, 2026, judges told police at High Grounds to file charges under Section 175(3) of the BNS. After that, officials moved the case over to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Bengaluru. Next stop: a courtroom date set for April 8, 2026.
Ranveer Singh Says Sorry in Public
After people reacted strongly, Ranveer Singh shared an apology online. His reasons? To show respect for Rishab Shetty’s work – never to offend beliefs or traditions. What he said included these words:
“My intention was to highlight Rishab’s incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it takes to perform that particular scene the way 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.”
What stood out was how Ranveer pointed to an understanding – cultural customs matter, deeply. His aim showed through: respect shaped his words, not ridicule. A quiet moment of clarity emerged when he spoke – not performance, but recognition took its place.
Public Reactions
A clip showing Ranveer mimicking a performance spread fast online, stirring talk on where art should draw the line when faith is involved. Not everyone saw offense – some said he was simply honoring another performer’s craft. Yet voices rose against him too, pointing out he brushed past Rishab Shetty’s plea to leave the moment untouched. To them, it felt less like tribute, more like overlooking something deeply held.
Out in the open now, the debate spotlighted the Daiva customs shown in Kantara Chapter 1. Not just figures of myth, Panjurli and Guliga shape daily faith across coastal Karnataka. Rooted deep, these beings guard villages, watched over through ceremonies heavy with meaning. When stories twist such roles, especially on big stages or screens, some followers feel wounded inside. How culture is framed matters – even small shifts can stir strong reactions.
Kantara Chapter One
A story rooted in village tales, ancient customs, and native ways found wide recognition through Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. Behind the camera and in front of it, Rishab Shetty earned acclaim by showing the spirit of Karnataka’s coast without altering its truth. Though spoken about everywhere now, those old forms face sharper eyes when they seem misused – this moment proves just how quickly reactions follow. Because respect runs deep, even small missteps echo loudly once a culture steps into the spotlight.
Legal Implications
A report written using parts 196, 299, and 302 of the new Indian law code could lead to heavy consequences – maybe even charges – for hurting religious feelings. Since courts have yet to decide what happens next, one thing stands out: speaking about faith or tradition puts famous people on shaky ground. Stillness often feels safer than speech.
Right now, the probe goes on – April will bring a courtroom moment in Bengaluru where voices gather around the issue. Still, people talk, nudged by what stars owe society, shaped through how traditions meet spotlight moments.
