Bollywood star Ranveer Singh found himself at the center of a cultural controversy during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa, when his attempted tribute to the blockbuster film Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 and its creator-star Rishab Shetty dramatically backfired.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
While reenacting a dramatic scene from the acclaimed film, Ranveer Singh referred to the revered 'Daiva' as a 'female ghost' and performed a possession-like act that immediately drew disapproval from attendees. According to sources present at the event, the situation escalated when Ranveer turned to the audience and said, "Anybody here want to see me in Kantara 3? Tell this guy," while pointing directly at Rishab Shetty.
A source from IFFI revealed to Bangalore Times that Rishab Shetty had previously requested Ranveer Singh to stop mimicking the Daiva ritual. "Ranveer came down from the stage to greet the guests, including Rajinikanth and Rishab. The moment he saw Rishab, he got excited and began mimicking the Daiva, which Rishab asked him to stop — though politely," the source stated.
Repeated Actions Despite Warnings
Despite the polite request from the Kantara creator, Ranveer returned to the stage and repeated the performance. The source added, "His intention wasn't wrong, but referring to the Daiva as a 'female ghost' and performing the act while wearing shoes shocked many." The wearing of shoes during such a performance is considered particularly disrespectful in the context of the sacred tradition.
Rishab Shetty maintained his composure throughout the incident, choosing not to escalate the matter at the high-profile international event. This restraint demonstrated his respect for the occasion, even as his cultural heritage was being misrepresented.
Previous Warnings from Kantara Filmmakers
The incident becomes more significant in light of previous appeals from the Kantara filmmaking team. Weeks before the IFFI ceremony, Hombale Films had explicitly urged fans not to imitate Daiva rituals after videos of people dressing up and performing theatrically went viral on social media platforms.
The production company had emphasized that Dhaivaradhane is a sacred Tulu tradition deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs, not merely a costume or performance element. They had specifically asked viewers to refrain from treating Daiva portrayals lightly and to show respect for the cultural practice.
Public Backlash and Cultural Sensitivity
As clips from the IFFI ceremony went viral, social media users and fans of the Kantara franchise widely condemned Ranveer's act as 'insensitive' and 'out of line.' What the actor might have intended as a playful tribute was perceived by many as culturally disrespectful and unnecessary.
The controversy highlights the importance of understanding cultural context when paying tribute to regional art forms and traditions. The strong reaction from audiences demonstrates growing awareness about respecting indigenous cultural practices in mainstream entertainment circles.
The incident at IFFI 2025 in Goa serves as a reminder that cultural appreciation must be distinguished from cultural appropriation, especially when dealing with sacred traditions that hold deep spiritual significance for communities.
