A complaint has been filed against actor Ranveer Singh at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by mimicking the Daiva ritual depicted in Kantara Chapter 1 during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 28.
Advocate Prashanth Metal submitted the complaint accusing Singh of recreating Rishab Shetty’s Ullalthi Daiva performance on stage and making remarks that were “derogatory and offensive” to the Tulu-speaking community of Karnataka. According to the complaint, the actor referred to the Daiva as a “demon” and a “female ghost” while praising the film and its lead actor-director Rishab Shetty.
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Complaint filed under BNS sections
The petition cites Sections 299, 302 and 196 of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. It alleges that Ranveer Singh’s actions have amounted to an insult for a revered tradition and has also offending the sentiments of “millions of Hindus, particularly the Tulu-speaking community.”
The complainant stated that the Ullalthi Daiva holds a deep spiritual significance and that Singh’s on-stage imitation at IFFI’s closing ceremony was really inappropriate and disrespectful to the community.
Actor issues public apology
The controversy gained an online uproar after videos of Singh’s act went viral, sparking criticism among cultural groups and social media users. The uproar also intensified after a clip surfaced showing Rishab Shetty signalling discomfort during Singh’s mimicry.
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On Tuesday, Singh posted an apology on Instagram, writing:
“My intention was to highlight Rishab's incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it takes to perform that scene, for which he has my utmost admiration. I have always respected every culture and tradition. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”
As the complaint has triggered strong social media reactions, some believe that the issue might come under control after the actor’s public apology.
