Actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty has publicly expressed his discomfort regarding the mimicry of the sacred 'Daiva' elements from his blockbuster film 'Kantara Chapter 1'. This comes in the wake of a recent incident where Bollywood star Ranveer Singh performed an imitation on stage, sparking widespread debate.
Shetty's Stance on Sacred Cinema
Speaking at the Behindwoods event in Chennai, Rishab Shetty carefully addressed the issue without directly naming Ranveer Singh. He emphasized the deeply religious and cultural roots of the film's core elements. Shetty revealed that he had consulted extensively with community elders before proceeding with 'Kantara' and had sought their blessings due to the sensitive subject matter.
He drew a clear line between cinema as entertainment and the sacred traditions it sometimes portrays. "That makes me uncomfortable," Shetty stated. "While much of the film is cinema and performance, the daiva element is sensitive and sacred. Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or mock it. It is emotionally deeply connected to us."
The Incident and Immediate Fallout
The controversy erupted when Ranveer Singh mimicked the Daivas during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. While Singh's intent was reportedly to applaud Shetty's powerful performance in the film, the act was perceived by many as culturally insensitive and offensive.
Following the backlash, Ranveer Singh issued a public apology on his Instagram Stories on December 16, 2025. He clarified that his intention was solely to highlight Shetty's "incredible performance." Singh wrote, "Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene... I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise."
A Repeated Appeal for Respect
This is not the first time Rishab Shetty has had to address the public's interaction with the Daiva concept from his film. In a past interview with India Today, he had expressed dismay over audiences dressing up as Daivas to watch 'Kartha' in theatres.
"It’s very unfortunate, because that was never our intention behind making this film. It really hurts us," Shetty had said. He reiterated that while the film is a cinematic experience, the concept of Daiva portrayed within it transcends mere entertainment. He has consistently requested fans and the public to refrain from reducing these sacred elements to performance or costume.
The episode highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must strike when portraying deeply rooted cultural and religious practices on screen, and the responsibility that comes with it in the public sphere.
