Ranveer Singh Faces Severe Backlash Over ‘Kantara’ Daiva Imitation at IFFI

New Delhi, December 1, 2025: Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has ignited a major controversy following his appearance at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. A viral video from the event shows Singh praising the Kannada film Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 but then proceeding to imitate a sacred scene and refer to the deity as a “female ghost,” an action that has drawn widespread condemnation for being culturally insensitive.

The Incident: A Praise That Went Wrong

The incident occurred when Ranveer Singh was on stage, acknowledging the presence of Kantara director-actor Rishab Shetty. While expressing his admiration for Shetty’s acclaimed performance in the film, particularly the intense climax scene, Singh made two key missteps that sparked outrage:

1. The Misidentification: He referred to the character—which represents the revered Chavundi Daiva (a divine spirit/goddess central to the Tulu cultural tradition of Daivaradhane)—as a “female ghost.”
2. The Mockery: Following his comment, Singh proceeded to perform a dramatic, exaggerated imitation of the Daiva possession scene, complete with crossed eyes and his tongue out, an act that drew laughter from the audience, including Rishab Shetty. Ranveer even jokingly asked the audience if they wanted to see him in Kantara 3.

Online Fury and Cultural Offence

The video quickly spread across social media, where a strong and immediate backlash erupted. Many users, particularly those from the South Indian community familiar with the sacred Daivaradhane ritual, labeled his actions as highly disrespectful, insensitive, and tone-deaf.

• Calling a Goddess a ‘Ghost’: The most significant point of offense was his casual reference to the Daiva as a “ghost,” which fundamentally misrepresents the religious and spiritual significance of the figure in Tulu culture. Users repeatedly corrected him online, emphasizing that Chavundi is a revered Goddess, not a mere spectral entity.
• Mimicry of a Sacred Ritual: The public, light-hearted imitation of a spiritual possession—a moment of deep religious importance in the film’s narrative and in real-life tradition—was viewed as mocking a sacred practice.
• Criticism for Rishab Shetty: The controversy also extended to Rishab Shetty, with some critics questioning why he appeared to laugh or simply stood by without correcting the Bollywood star’s remarks or actions. Interestingly, some reports have suggested that Shetty may have advised Singh against the imitation beforehand, though this remains unconfirmed by the director.

Context of Controversy and Next Steps

This controversy comes at a sensitive time for Ranveer Singh, as his highly-anticipated action film, Dhurandhar, is just days away from its theatrical release. A section of the angry netizens has already threatened a boycott of his upcoming film, linking his perceived lack of respect for regional cultural beliefs to the film’s potential fate.

As of the latest updates, Ranveer Singh has not yet issued a public apology or statement regarding the incident. The mounting pressure from the online community is now focused on demanding a formal clarification and apology for what is widely seen as an offense against deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs. The incident has once again highlighted the sensitivity around depicting or commenting on regional religious practices in a public forum.