The closing ceremony of IFFI 2025 in Goa was meant to be a celebratory evening, but a moment between Ranveer Singh and Rishab Shetty has unexpectedly stirred controversy online. On Friday (November 28), the two actors shared the stage as Ranveer praised Rishab’s intense performance in Kantara Chapter 1. However, a clip from the moment has since gone viral — and for reasons Ranveer probably didn’t expect.
What Happened at the Ceremony?
During the event, Ranveer took a moment to talk about how much he enjoyed Kantara Chapter 1 and highlighted Rishab’s dramatic transformation in the film’s climax sequence. But his choice of words immediately drew attention.
In the viral video, Ranveer is heard saying:
“I watched Kantara Chapter 1 in theatres, and Rishab, your performance was outstanding — especially the scene where the female ghost (Chamundi daiva) enters your body.”
He then reenacted the dramatic moment on stage, prompting laughter from Rishab and some members of the audience. Ranveer even joked about wanting a role in Kantara 3, urging fans to “tell Rishab” on his behalf.
What began as a playful segment quickly turned into a full-fledged online debate.
Why Social Media Is Upset
The imitation itself didn’t create the stir — it was the phrase “female ghost” used for the Chamundi daiva, a sacred and revered spirit in the coastal folklore tradition depicted in Kantara.
Within hours, the clip sparked criticism across platforms.
Many viewers felt the remark was disrespectful, particularly given the cultural and spiritual importance of daiva worship in the Tulu and coastal Karnataka region.
Some reactions included:
- “save Ranveer from himself.”
- “This is very offensive. She is not a ghost, but a divine form.”
- “Ghost😃…. GHOST!?!?! Who tf is his pr/script vetter”
- “Even foreigners who know nothing about the culture behave respectfully and conduct with good manners to avoid hurting others feelings.”
A few users also pointed out that Ranveer’s wife, Deepika Padukone, belongs to the same region where daiva traditions hold deep emotional and religious value — which, in their view, made the remark even more careless.
Rishab Shetty’s Reaction
Interestingly, Rishab seemed amused in the moment and didn’t show signs of discomfort on stage. But the online conversation has taken on a life of its own, with many expecting Ranveer to issue clarification as the video continues to circulate widely.
The Controversy Comes at a Crucial Time
The timing hasn’t helped either. Ranveer is gearing up for the release of his action-drama Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar. The film, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal and R Madhavan, hits theatres on December 5 — just days away.
Online chatter around the clip has now become part of the larger buzz surrounding the actor.
About Kantara Chapter 1
Directed by Rishab Shetty himself, Kantara Chapter 1 serves as the prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara. The film digs deeper into the spiritual roots, traditions and ancestral conflicts that defined the original. Featuring Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah and Rukmini Vasanth in key roles, the film shattered box office expectations with a massive ₹851.93 crore worldwide haul, making it the biggest blockbuster of 2025.
Final Words
What was meant to be a lighthearted tribute has now turned into a cultural sensitivity debate — reminding Bollywood once again that certain traditions carry weight far beyond cinema. While Rishab took it sportingly, the audience reaction shows how important it is to understand the depth of the stories being praised on stage.
Whether Ranveer addresses the criticism remains to be seen, but for now, the clip continues to fuel discussion across social media as the industry watches closely.
