Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash an FIR registered against him in the ongoing controversy over his mimicry of the iconic Daiva scene from Kantara: Chapter 1. The legal move comes amid allegations of hurting religious sentiments tied to the sacred Bhoota Kola (Daiva) tradition of coastal Karnataka. The row traces back to November 2025, when Ranveer recreated Rishab Shetty’s powerful Daiva possession performance during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. While praising the film and Rishab’s acting, Ranveer allegedly referred to elements like Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost” and mimicked gestures linked to Panjuluri and Guliga Daiva in a manner some deemed crude and disrespectful.
A Bengaluru-based advocate, Prashanth Methal, filed a private complaint in December 2025, accusing Ranveer of deliberate mockery that insulted Hindu beliefs and the Tulu-speaking community’s cultural practices. An FIR was lodged in January 2026 at High Grounds Police Station under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), prompting police notices that reportedly caused the actor “undue stress.”
Ranveer’s Legal Defense
Ranveer’s lawyers argued before Justice M Nagaprasanna’s bench that the mimicry was a “sincere appreciation” and “playful tribute” to Rishab Shetty’s performance and the film’s narrative style—no intent to insult existed. They described the case as a misinterpretation of admiration, emphasizing cultural respect. The petition sought an urgent same-day hearing to relieve pressure from the ongoing probe. The court, however, declined the request for immediate listing, stating no special treatment would be given and due process must be followed. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing soon.
Broader Reactions
The incident sparked debate on artistic expression versus cultural sensitivity. Rishab Shetty previously expressed discomfort, noting the Daiva element’s sacred nature despite the film’s cinematic roots. Ranveer issued an apology earlier, clarifying his intent was praise, not disrespect. As the case progresses, it highlights tensions between fandom gestures, public performances, and religious sentiments in India’s diverse cultural landscape. Ranveer, currently riding high with projects like Dhurandhar, maintains the act was harmless enthusiasm for a beloved film.
-By Manoj H