Bengaluru Advocate Takes Legal Action Against Ranveer Singh Over IFFI Comments
The entertainment world finds itself embroiled in a significant legal and cultural controversy following events at the International Film Festival of India in Goa. Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh's actions during the November 2025 festival have now escalated into a formal legal complaint filed by Bengaluru-based advocate Prashanth Methal.
The Controversial Incident at IFFI Goa
During the closing ceremonies of the International Film Festival of India held in Goa, Ranveer Singh engaged in what many perceived as problematic behavior while discussing Rishab Shetty's acclaimed performance in 'Kantara: Chapter 1'. The actor, known for his energetic personality, praised Shetty's work but then proceeded to mimic aspects of the performance in a manner that has sparked widespread outrage.
"I saw that in the theaters, Rishab. It was an outstanding performance, especially when the female ghost gets inside your body. That one shot..." Singh reportedly stated during the event. This reference to the sacred Guliga Daiva tradition as a "female ghost" and the subsequent imitation of the performance quickly went viral across social media platforms, drawing condemnation from various quarters.
Legal Proceedings Initiated
Advocate Prashanth Methal, deeply affected by what he perceived as religious disrespect, has taken the matter to the courts after exhausting other avenues. According to Methal's detailed account to ANI, the sequence of events unfolded as follows:
- On November 28, 2025, Ranveer Singh made the controversial comments during the International Film Festival in Goa
- On December 3, 2025, Methal approached the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru to file a complaint
- When police initially declined to register an FIR, Methal escalated the matter to higher authorities including the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Commissioner of Police
- After these efforts proved unsuccessful, Methal filed a private complaint in a competent court under Section 223
The complaint has been formally registered under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which constitute cognizable offenses carrying potential penalties of up to three years imprisonment, substantial fines, or both.
Court Intervention and Police Action
The judicial system has now become involved in this high-profile case. On January 28, 2026, the court issued significant directives:
- Ordered an investigation under Section 175, Clause 3 of the relevant legal provisions
- Issued specific directions to the High Grounds Police Inspector to take appropriate action
- Mandated that police must legally register an FIR before commencing formal investigation proceedings
Following these court orders, the High Ground Police has reportedly issued an official notice to Ranveer Singh, marking a serious escalation in the legal proceedings.
Religious Sentiments and Cultural Sensitivity
Prashanth Methal's complaint articulates the profound impact of Singh's actions on religious communities. "Referring to the deity as a ghost is described as blasphemous and a serious insult to Hindu religious beliefs and practices," states the formal complaint. Methal emphasizes that the actor's comments and imitation not only wounded his personal religious sentiments but also affected millions of Hindus who hold the Daiva tradition sacred.
The Daiva tradition, particularly the Guliga Daiva referenced in the 'Kantara' films, represents an important aspect of regional religious practices in certain parts of India. The characterization of these sacred elements as supernatural or ghostly phenomena has been perceived as deeply disrespectful and reductive.
Ranveer Singh's Response and Public Reaction
Following the viral spread of the controversial video clips, Ranveer Singh issued a public apology attempting to clarify his intentions. The actor, currently promoting his film 'Dhurandhar', expressed that he never intended to hurt anyone's religious sentiments and emphasized his respect for all religions.
However, this apology has done little to quell the growing controversy, with many arguing that the damage had already been done through the public platform of IFFI. The incident has sparked broader conversations about:
- The responsibilities of public figures when discussing religious and cultural topics
- The intersection of entertainment and religious sensitivity in contemporary India
- Legal protections for religious sentiments in the digital age
- The appropriate boundaries for artistic expression and commentary
As the legal process unfolds, this case represents a significant moment in India's ongoing dialogue about freedom of expression, religious respect, and celebrity accountability. The outcome may establish important precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future, particularly involving high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry.
