Actor Ranveer Singh has landed in legal trouble in Bengaluru months after a controversy surrounding his imitation of a Daiva ritual from Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. According to reports, an FIR was registered against the actor on Wednesday at the High Grounds Police Station, following a private complaint accusing him of hurting religious sentiments.
What the FIR says
As per details reported by NDTV, Ranveer has been booked under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint alleges that his actions insulted Hindu religious beliefs and disrespected the Chavundi Daiva tradition, a sacred ritual deeply rooted in the coastal regions of Karnataka.
The complaint was filed by Bengaluru-based advocate Prashanth Methal, who accused the actor of making derogatory remarks and performing a mocking stage act during a public event.
Incident traced back to IFFI 2025
The alleged incident occurred on November 28, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. According to the FIR, Ranveer imitated the expressions and mannerisms associated with Panjurli and Guliga Daiva, and allegedly referred to Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost” while addressing the audience.
The complainant stated that Chavundi Daiva is a revered guardian deity symbolising divine feminine energy, and describing the deity as a ghost amounted to misrepresentation that deeply hurt religious sentiments.
Legal proceedings underway
The matter has now been referred to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru, with the next hearing scheduled for April 8.
The private complaint was originally filed on December 27, 2025, before the Additional Judicial Magistrate in Bengaluru. Following this, on January 23, 2026, the court directed the High Grounds police to register an FIR under Section 175(3) of the BNS, leading to the formal case being filed this week.
Backlash and Ranveer Singh’s apology
Soon after the controversy erupted online, Ranveer Singh issued a public apology through social media. Clarifying his intent, he said his actions were meant to praise Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara, not mock it.
“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… I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise,” he wrote.
Notably, Rishab Shetty was present at the IFFI event. Despite earlier reports suggesting Rishab had asked Ranveer not to imitate the Daiva sequence, Ranveer went ahead with the act on stage, which sparked sharp criticism from sections of the public and religious groups.
Why the issue escalated
Videos from the ceremony showed Ranveer praising Kantara before referencing the Daiva possession scene in a manner many viewers found insensitive. The controversy gained momentum as cultural commentators and netizens accused the actor of trivialising a sacred ritual tied to faith and tradition.
While Ranveer’s apology calmed some reactions, the legal complaint has now pushed the matter into the courtroom.
Final words
What began as a moment of admiration at a film festival has now turned into a serious legal issue for Ranveer Singh. With the FIR registered and court proceedings underway, all eyes will be on how the case unfolds—and whether it sets a wider precedent for how religious and cultural representations are handled at public events in the future.
