Ranveer Singh Faces Courtroom Heat Over Kantara Imitation Row

Karnataka High Court Pulls Up Superstar for ‘Insensitive’ Remarks, Grants Interim Relief in FIR Case

Actor Ranveer Singh has found himself in legal trouble following a controversial performance at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. The actor drew sharp criticism after imitating the Daiva act associated with Kantara, a film headlined and directed by Rishab Shetty. What sparked outrage was not just the exaggerated nature of the act, but also Ranveer referring to the sacred Daivas as “ghosts” — a term many found culturally insensitive.

The Daiva performance, deeply rooted in coastal Karnataka’s Bhoota Kola tradition, is considered a sacred ritual rather than mere folklore. Rishab Shetty’s portrayal in Kantara was widely praised for bringing national attention to this indigenous tradition. Ranveer’s stage act at IFFI, which Rishab himself attended, quickly went viral on social media, triggering backlash from sections of the Kannada community and cultural groups who felt the ritual had been trivialized.

An FIR was subsequently filed against Ranveer Singh, prompting the actor to approach the Karnataka High Court seeking relief. On February 24, the matter was heard by Justice M. Nagaprasanna. Representing the actor, Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya argued that Ranveer’s remarks were misconstrued and that there was no intention to insult or hurt any community’s sentiments.

Actor Ranveer Singh has found himself in legal trouble following a controversial performance at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. The actor drew sharp criticism after imitating the Daiva act associated with Kantara, a film headlined and directed by Rishab Shetty. What sparked outrage was not just the exaggerated nature of the act, but also Ranveer referring to the sacred Daivas as “ghosts” — a term many found culturally insensitive.

The Daiva performance, deeply rooted in coastal Karnataka’s Bhoota Kola tradition, is considered a sacred ritual rather than mere folklore. Rishab Shetty’s portrayal in Kantara was widely praised for bringing national attention to this indigenous tradition. Ranveer’s stage act at IFFI, which Rishab himself attended, quickly went viral on social media, triggering backlash from sections of the Kannada community and cultural groups who felt the ritual had been trivialized.

An FIR was subsequently filed against Ranveer Singh, prompting the actor to approach the Karnataka High Court seeking relief. On February 24, the matter was heard by Justice M. Nagaprasanna. Representing the actor, Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya argued that Ranveer’s remarks were misconstrued and that there was no intention to insult or hurt any community’s sentiments.