Ranveer Singh Under Fire, Issues Apology After ‘Kantara’ Imitation Sparks Religious Outrage
Bollywood heavyweight Ranveer Singh has found himself at the centre of a significant controversy following his impromptu stage performance at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa. The actor attempted to mimic the powerful divine possession sequence from the Kannada blockbuster Kantara: Chapter 1, a scene originally performed by director-star Rishab Shetty.
The incident, which took place during the IFFI closing ceremony on November 28, drew immediate and severe criticism after a video of the act went viral. While enacting the scene, Singh allegedly referred to the revered Ullalthi Daiva, an indigenous Tulu deity, as a “female ghost” and a “demon.” This description sparked widespread outrage on social media, with users and community groups accusing the star of disrespecting and misrepresenting the cultural and religious beliefs of the Tulu-speaking community of Karnataka.
Legal Action Initiated Following Viral Video
The controversy escalated into a legal matter when the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and a Bengaluru-based advocate, Prashanth Metal, filed formal complaints against the actor. On December 1, 2025, the HJS submitted a complaint, demanding Ranveer Singh issue a public apology and promise to “refrain from making such remarks or performances in the future,” citing that the act hurt their religious sentiments.
Subsequently, advocate Prashanth Metal filed a complaint at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru. The complaint invokes Sections 299, 302, and 196 of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and states that through his “illegal and offensive actions,” Ranveer Singh has deeply hurt the sentiments of “millions of Hindus, particularly the Tulu-speaking community of Karnataka.” The complaint specifically highlighted the actor’s derogatory remarks about the Ullalthi Daiva during his stage address.
Actor Expresses Sincere Regret on Social Media
Responding to the mounting pressure and legal action, Ranveer Singh issued a sincere apology via his Instagram Story. He clarified that his intention was purely to celebrate a fellow actor’s craft, not to cause offense.
“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,” Singh wrote.
He went on to emphasize his respect for India’s diverse traditions, adding, “I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”
Simultaneous Movie Release Amid Controversy
The controversy comes on the same day as the theatrical release of Ranveer Singh’s much-anticipated spy-action film, Dhurandhar. Helmed by Aditya Dhar, the movie—which features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal—hits theatres today, December 5, 2025. Despite the intense backlash and ongoing legal troubles surrounding the Kantara mimicry, the actor’s professional commitments proceed, with Dhurandhar being one of the most awaited Indian releases of the year. The box office performance of the high-profile film will now unfold against the backdrop of this high-stakes cultural dispute.