At the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa, Ranveer Singh attempted to honour Kantara – A Legend Chapter 1 and its star-director Rishab Shetty by recreating a dramatic “Daiva-possession” scene from the film. He praised the performance, then proceeded to mimic the character on stage — crossing his eyes, sticking out his tongue, and calling the deity a “female ghost” while pointing at Shetty, adding: “Anybody here want to see me in Kantara 3?”
Though the act appeared light-hearted on stage, the video of it went viral rapidly. For many viewers — especially those from the region where the film’s mythos is rooted — the performance felt insensitive and disrespectful. The deity in question is regarded as sacred by the Tulu-speaking community, and referring to the “Daiva” as a ghost and mocking its entry ritual was seen as trivialising beliefs deeply revered by many.
🚩Hurt Hindu sentiments? Unacceptable!🔥
🔥You mocked Daiva Chaavundi, a revered deity!
Apologise Ranveer Singh!#ShameOnYouRanveerSingh 🚩@iAjaySengar@KreatelyMedia @National_Hindu pic.twitter.com/1H1zfsHNTo
— Sunil Ghanwat 🛕🛕 (@SG_HJS) December 2, 2025
Backlash & formal complaints: What followed
Social media erupted almost immediately. Many users condemned the mimicry as cultural mockery, with some invoking religious sentiment and calling for accountability. The backlash gained momentum fast, with calls for a boycott of Ranveer’s upcoming film Dhurandhar intensifying.
A formal complaint was filed by a religious-cultural group, demanding legal action and a public apology, labelling Ranveer’s act as disrespect toward the sacred — not just a light tribute.
Criticism wasn’t limited to online users — cultural commentators and members of the film fraternity also expressed discomfort at what many considered a tone-deaf moment. The larger concern was that such acts blur the line between entertainment and disrespect, especially when dealing with culturally sensitive themes.
Ranveer’s response: Apology and regrets
On the morning of 2 December 2025, Ranveer took to his social media to issue a public apology. He clarified that his intention was to pay tribute to Shetty’s remarkable performance in Kantara — not to offend anyone. He wrote, in essence, that he has profound respect for every culture, tradition and belief in India, and if his act hurt anyone’s sentiments, he sincerely apologises.
In the statement, he underlined that as an actor, he recognises the effort behind performing such intense scenes — and that admiration for that craft led to his spontaneous urge to recreate the moment.
