Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has publicly apologised after facing significant criticism online for his actions at a recent film festival. The incident occurred during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, held in Goa.
The Incident and Immediate Backlash
During the event on Tuesday, December 2, Singh was seen praising actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty for his work in the hit film 'Kantara: Chapter 1'. In a video that quickly went viral, Singh specifically mentioned a powerful scene. "I saw that in the theatres, Rishab, it was an outstanding performance, especially when the female ghost gets inside your body, that one shot..." he said, before proceeding to mimic the actor's intense expressions from that sequence.
While Shetty himself was seen laughing in response, a large section of social media users and fans of the film did not find the imitation amusing. Many labelled the act as disrespectful and insensitive towards the cultural and spiritual themes central to 'Kantara'. The film is deeply rooted in the folklore and Daiva worship traditions of the Tulunadu region.
Ranveer's Clarification and Apology
Addressing the growing controversy, Ranveer Singh took to his Instagram Stories to explain his side of the story and offer an apology. He emphasised that his primary intention was to applaud a fellow actor's craft.
"My intention was to highlight Rishab's incredible performance in the film," Singh wrote. He added, "Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene in the way that he did, for which he has my utmost admiration."
Understanding that his actions had caused unintended hurt, he extended a sincere apology. "I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise," his statement concluded.
About 'Kantara: Chapter 1' and Ranveer's Upcoming Work
The film at the centre of the discussion, 'Kantara: Chapter 1', explores the origins of Daiva worship, tracing back to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Rishab Shetty plays the role of Berme, a protector of the Kantara forest and its tribal inhabitants. The movie also features Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram in pivotal roles.
On the work front, Ranveer Singh is gearing up for his next project titled 'Dhurandhar'. This spy-action thriller is written, directed, and co-produced by Aditya Dhar. The film, backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, boasts a stellar cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, with Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in supporting roles.
