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.
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.