Ranveer Singh Apologises After Kantara Mimicry Sparks Backlash at IFFI 2025

By ultapaltakhabar Dec 2, 2025 0

Actor says he meant to praise Rishab Shetty, but social media calls it “insensitive” as controversy snowballs ahead of Dhurandhar release

IFFI 2025 ended with glamour, applause, and… a controversy no one saw coming. Ranveer Singh, known for his flamboyance and larger-than-life energy, found himself at the center of a cultural storm after mimicking Rishab Shetty’s intense Daiva act from Kantara. What began as a seemingly light-hearted moment at the festival’s closing ceremony in Goa quickly spiraled into a debate on respect, representation, and religious sensitivity.

And as the clips went viral, Ranveer was forced to address the issue—just days before the release of his highly anticipated spy thriller Dhurandhar.

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The Moment That Triggered the Firestorm

During the closing ceremony, Ranveer took the stage and began praising Rishab Shetty for his electrifying performance in Kantara Chapter 1. The audience was all smiles—until Ranveer decided to push it a little further.

He recreated Rishab’s iconic climax sequence where the Chamundi Daiva enters the protagonist, performing an exaggerated version of the sacred ritualistic act.

The problem? Ranveer referred to the Daiva as a “female ghost.”

And within a few seconds, what was supposed to be a tribute turned into a controversy.

Rishab laughed politely in the moment—but off camera, things were brewing.

A second video later surfaced showing Rishab warning Ranveer earlier in the event:

“Don’t mimic me.”

That clip became gasoline on an already burning online fire.

Social Media Reacts: “This Was Not It, Ranveer.”

X (formerly Twitter) erupted almost instantly:

“This is disrespectful to the Daiva tradition.”
“How can you call forest gods ghosts?”
“Intent is irrelevant when the act mocks a sacred performance.”
“Rishab handled it with grace but Ranveer crossed a line.”

Cultural groups and fans of Kantara accused Ranveer of trivializing a divine art form that holds deep spiritual significance in coastal Karnataka. The outrage escalated further when a Hindu organisation officially filed a police complaint against the actor, alleging hurt sentiments.

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Ranveer’s Apology: “If I Hurt Anyone, I Am Sorry.”

On Tuesday morning, Ranveer finally broke his silence.

He posted a text note on his Instagram Stories, addressing the controversy head-on.

“I intended to highlight Rishabh’s incredible performance in the film,” he wrote.

He added that, as an actor, he understands the craft and emotional intensity required to perform such a role, making his imitation a sign of respect, not mockery.

Ranveer continued:

“I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”

A textbook apology? Yes.

But was it enough to stop the online firestorm? That remains to be seen.

What Really Offended People?

At the heart of the controversy lies the Daiva tradition—a centuries-old spiritual practice, deeply rooted in Karnataka’s cultural identity.

The Daiva (or Bootha Kola) is not a ghost.

It is a revered forest deity, worshipped by communities across the region.

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara brought national spotlight to this tradition, portraying it with authenticity and reverence.

So when Ranveer dramatized the sacred act—and mislabelled it as a “ghost possession”—many felt the sanctity had been violated.

The complaint filed against him stated that his act “mocked a divine practice and hurt religious sentiments,” igniting an even wider debate on Bollywood’s casual attitude towards regional traditions.

Rishab Shetty’s Reaction: Grace Under Spotlight

Interestingly, Rishab himself didn’t lash out.

At the event, cameras captured him laughing—but those familiar with the cultural context argue that it was a courtesy, not consent.

He has not released a personal statement yet, possibly to avoid further escalation.

However, the viral clip of him warning Ranveer—“Don’t mimic me”—has become a central talking point in the public discourse.

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The Timing: Just Days Before Dhurandhar

The controversy couldn’t have come at a more delicate moment for Ranveer.

His massive action-thriller Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, releases this Friday.

The film sees Ranveer in a high-octane avatar as an Indian spy infiltrating criminal networks in Pakistan’s Lyari Town.

The star-studded cast includes:

Arjun Rampal
Sanjay Dutt
R. Madhavan
Akshaye Khanna
Sara Arjun

The film’s promotional wave was hitting its peak—until this unexpected controversy overshadowed the buzz.

Trade analysts are already speculating whether the mimicry incident will affect the film’s opening weekend collections. Some believe the apology might neutralize the issue, while others fear long-term repercussions in southern markets.