Bollywood star Ranveer Singh finds himself in legal hot water after a Bengaluru-based advocate filed a formal police complaint against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The complaint stems from the actor's actions and comments during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 28, 2025.
The Core of the Controversy: Mimicry and Misrepresentation
Advocate Prashanth Methal lodged the complaint with the High Grounds police station on Wednesday, December 4, 2025. In his complaint, Methal accused Singh of openly mocking the sacred Daiva (Bhoota Kola) tradition, which was depicted with great reverence in Rishab Shetty's blockbuster film Kantara Chapter 1. The advocate stated that Singh's actions were "illegal and offensive" and had deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus, particularly the Tulu-speaking community of Karnataka.
The grievance was further aggravated by the actor allegedly referring to the sacred Daiva as a "ghost" or "female ghost" during the event. A video clip from the IFFI ceremony, which captured the incident, went viral on social media platforms, sparking widespread outrage among community members and devotees.
Police Response and Social Media Backlash
Confirming the receipt of the complaint, the High Grounds police acknowledged they are reviewing the matter. A police officer clarified that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered yet. "We have received the complaint but have sought information from the legal team. We will see whether an FIR needs to be filed or not," the officer stated.
On social media, the backlash was swift and severe. The video shared by user @nilesh_isme on November 30, 2025, with the caption "What happens when we miss our research? Ranveer Singh calls Devi as Ghost, sparks outrage," fueled the anger. The Tulu-speaking community and followers of the Daiva tradition expressed their disappointment, viewing the act as a trivialisation of a deeply spiritual and cultural practice.
Ranveer Singh's Apology and Statement
Following the mounting criticism, Ranveer Singh issued a public apology on his Instagram account. The actor emphasised his respect for all cultures and traditions in India. He explained that his intention was solely to appreciate co-actor Rishab Shetty's powerful performance in the film.
"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 concluded by stating, "I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise."
The incident highlights the sensitive intersection of popular culture and deeply held religious beliefs in India. While the police decide on further legal action, the controversy underscores the need for public figures to exercise heightened awareness when referencing indigenous cultural and spiritual practices.
