Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has found himself embroiled in controversy following his actions at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The incident occurred when the actor, while praising 'Kantara: Chapter 1' star Rishab Shetty, chose to mimic the portrayal of Daivas, or deities, from the film's pivotal scene.
The Incident and Immediate Backlash
During the event, Ranveer Singh was recreating a scene from the highly successful film 'Kantara: Chapter 1' to highlight Shetty's performance. However, his act of mimicking the deities did not sit well with many sections of the audience and the public. The backlash was swift and severe, with reports confirming that a formal complaint was filed against the actor for allegedly insulting Goddess Chamundadevi through his actions.
The film franchise at the center of this controversy, 'Kantara', is deeply rooted in the traditional Bhoota Kola ritual, a folk practice prominent in certain regions of Karnataka. The original 2022 film and its 2025 prequel have brought this ritual significant national attention.
Understanding the Bhoota Kola Ritual
To understand the sensitivity of the situation, one must look at the cultural context. Bhoota Kola, also known as Daiva Kola, is a non-Vedic folk ritual prevalent among Tulu-speaking communities in parts of Karnataka. It involves the worship of local guardian spirits or deities believed to protect villages from misfortune.
The ritual is a vibrant spectacle involving processions of idols representing the bhootas, accompanied by drumbeats and firecrackers. A key performer, adorned with a sword and bells, enters a trance-like state to embody and imitate the spirit being invoked. This deep cultural and religious practice is considered sacred by its adherents, making any casual imitation a sensitive issue.
Ranveer Singh's Public Apology
Responding to the growing criticism, Ranveer Singh took to his Instagram Stories to issue a sincere apology. He clarified that his intention was solely to appreciate the artistic effort of fellow actor Rishab Shetty.
"My intention was to highlight Rishabh's incredible performance in the film," Singh wrote. "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."
He further emphasized his respect for Indian traditions, stating, "I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise."
About 'Kantara: Chapter 1'
The film that sparked this discussion, 'Kantara: Chapter 1', is the prequel to the blockbuster 2022 film 'Kantara'. Released in theaters on October 2, 2025, it features Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in lead roles. The franchise has been a monumental commercial success, with the films collectively earning over 700 crore rupees globally at the box office, underscoring its massive popularity and cultural impact.
This episode highlights the fine line public figures walk when engaging with regional cultural and religious symbols, even in a celebratory context like a film festival.
