Ranveer Singh apologises for Kantara mimicry
A controversy has erupted over the mimicry of a pivotal scene from Rishab Shetty’s film “Kantara: Chapter 1” performed by actor Ranveer Singh during the closing ceremony International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 held in Goa, with the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) submitting a written complaint against the actor at Panaji police station.
Ranveer, meanwhile, issued a statement saying that if he had hurt the religious sentiments during a mimicry of a scene from Rishab Shetty’s film “Kantara: Chapter 1”, he was tendering an unconditional apology.
“My intention was to highlight Rishabh’s incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene in the way that he did, for which he has my utmost admiration. I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise,” the actor said in his statement.
In its complaint submitted to the Panaji police station demanding registration of an FIR against Ranveer, the HJS alleged that the actor had insulted Chamundi Daiva, and in the process hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.
The HJS contended that Ranveer referred to the sacred deity of the Koti Tulu community, Shree Chamundi Daiva, as a “female ghost”.
The complaint seeking registration of FIR against Ranveer was handed over to Police Sub-Inspector Sahin Shetye by Pramod Tuyekar and Dilip Shetye on behalf of HJS.
“This incident has created an atmosphere of resentment in society, and the possibility of disturbance to public peace cannot be ruled out,” the complaint said.
“The Samiti has therefore urged that, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, sections 299, 194 and 302 relating to deliberate wounding of religious feelings and promoting enmity in society, a formal offence be registered against Ranveer Singh and a thorough investigation be conducted,” HJS spokesperson Ramesh Shinde said and sought an apology from Singh.
The HJS has also called upon the IFFI organisers and concerned authorities to frame a clear code of conduct to ensure that, in the future, no religious deity of any faith is subjected to ridicule or disrespect at such events, and that this code is strictly implemented.
