Ranveer Singh finds himself in hot water… again! The actor’s recent attempt to praise Rishab Shetty’s blockbuster, Kantara: Chapter 1, at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa is being widely condemned as a public mockery of the sacred traditions of coastal Karnataka. And yes, Twitter (X) is absolutely losing it!
The controversy stems from a viral video where Singh, while on stage, praised the intensity of the film’s climax scene, where Shetty’s character is possessed by the spirit of the Chavundi Daiva.
However, the controversy erupted due to the actor’s choice of words. Singh referred to the highly revered Daiva (divine spirit) as a “female ghost” and then went on to imitate the possession sequence with exaggerated gestures, crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue.
For the Tulu community, the Daivaradhane tradition is a deeply spiritual, faith-based ritual. The Chavundi Daiva is considered a powerful goddess, a protector, and a source of ancestral justice.
As the video circulated, Twitter (X) and other prominent social media platforms were flooded with posts labelling the act as “insensitive” and “disrespectful”. Many pointed out the sheer lack of cultural sensitivity from a prominent Bollywood star in this scenario.
This is really bad PR for Ranveer Singh ahead of Dhurandhar's release. How idiotic of him to mock Chaumda Devi. Even Rishabh Shetty looks extremely uncomfortable at this level of deracination. https://t.co/VMSc5VCZ34
— Sushant Chaturvedi (@ShawshankOne) December 1, 2025
Ranveer begging for work in Kantara 3 in public … yikes , he also begged Mukesh Khanna (Shaktiman ) too play the role… Akshay also rejected him for Singh is King 2, if Dhurandhar flops I doubt Don 3 goes on floors anytime in next 4 years . He will be doing small rom coms .
— aman kumar (@KhalilH75952781) December 1, 2025
Ranveer Singh thinks Maa Chavundi is a Woman Ghost ♂️ pic.twitter.com/hYvFq8j4H7
— Omkara (@OmkaraRoots) December 1, 2025
, Ranveer Singh your not a great actor or even a successful actor, You will pay heavy price for your mischievous act,#ranveersingh kantara @RanveerOfficial
— vasanth (@vasanthbhai) December 1, 2025
Ranveer Singh mocking the sacred Mata Chamundi moment in Kantara shows why Bollywood still struggles with culturally stories.
When Hindu traditions are mocked, it’s clear why only one faith becomes the target.
Selective respect isn’t creativity it’s insecurity posing as humour. pic.twitter.com/TB2FaqM2Py— @Vijay4BharatFirst (@shikhar711) November 30, 2025
Ranveer Singh mocks the exact moment when Mata Chamundi possesses the protagonist in Kantara: Chapter 1
Imagine the level of frustration Bollywood Bhands have for culturally rooted movies
No, Ranveer Singh, people like you should just stay away from projects like Kantara pic.twitter.com/EkzRf8Yz32
— Tushar ॐ♫₹ (@Tushar_KN) November 30, 2025
Rannno, @RanveerOfficial,
You just lost a big number of audience that was planning to grace the theaters for Dhurandhar. Not that the money laundering machine is getting disturbed by our boycott, but we make it difficult to cover up. #femaleghost is watching ya! https://t.co/ZXCVKb1Ept— Joe T (@Dhalgaj_Bhavani) December 1, 2025
The backlash has intensified, with some netizens even threatening to boycott Singh’s upcoming theatrical release, Dhurandhar.
Adding a layer of complexity to the controversy is the presence of Kantara director and star Rishab Shetty, who was seated in the audience. While Shetty was seen smiling in the viral clip, sources close to the event suggest the situation was highly uncomfortable.
The controversy highlights how important it is to maintain a delicate balance between artistic appreciation and cultural understanding, proving that not every intense cinematic moment is a source for casual imitation, especially when it touches upon deeply held spiritual beliefs.
Both Ranveer Singh and Rishab Shetty have yet to issue any official statement regarding the incident. Stay tuned for more updates.
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
