Complaint filed against Ranveer Singh for MIMICRY of sacred Kantara ritual & insulting 'Chamundi daiva'

At the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India in Goa, actor Ranveer Singh found himself at the center of a public dispute after performing an imitation inspired by a scene from the film Kantara Chapter 1. The moment occurred when he attempted to recreate the famous Chaundi sequence from the Tulu spirit worship tradition, which holds deep religious meaning for many communities in coastal Karnataka. During his performance he referred to the figure as a “female ghost” and acted out the moment with crossed eyes, his tongue extended, and a loud shout that he called his signature primordial scream. Rishab Shetty who created and starred in the Kantara films was on stage during the act.

Clips of the event spread quickly across social media and drew significant criticism. Viewers argued that the portrayal reduced a sacred ritual to a comedic moment and ignored the cultural depth behind the depictions in Kantara. In the tradition that inspired the films the portrayal of Daiva and their associated characters is regarded as a living part of the spiritual heritage of the Tulu speaking regions. These rituals often involve elaborate costumes dance possession and offerings. They are meant to honor spirits believed to protect local communities and are treated with great seriousness.

The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti responded to the incident by filing a police complaint on Monday. According to the complaint the actor had 'insulted Goddess Chamundadevi by describing the deity in a derogatory manner.' Representatives of the group Pramod Tuyekar and Dilip Shetye submitted a memorandum to the Panaji police station and addressed it to sub inspector Sahin Shetye. The organization stated that Ranveer Singh had caused hurt to the religious sentiments of Hindus. They said ''Chamundi Daiva is considered a sacred family deity of the Tulu community, and depicting or describing the deity in a derogatory manner amounts to disrespect. Such acts may cause public resentment and disturb peace.''

The group further argued that the depiction of the sacred figure as a ghost risked creating misunderstanding about Tulu spirit worship which is recognized as an important cultural practice in Karnataka. Traditional performances involve trance states drumming chants and ritual movements that are believed to connect the performer to the divine presence. For many families the deities represented in these rituals are protectors who are remembered and worshipped through annual ceremonies.

The organization requested that authorities register a formal case under relevant legal sections and also urged that the festival adopt clearer guidelines to prevent insensitive portrayals of cultural or religious traditions. They also demanded that Ranveer Singh issue a public apology for the act.

Chamundi Daiva is considered a sacred family deity of the Tulu community, and depicting or describing the deity in a derogatory manner amounts to disrespect. Such acts may cause public resentment and disturb peace.

- Hindu Janajagruti Samiti

As discussions continue many voices online have called for greater respect when referencing traditional practices in public spaces especially those that carry emotional and spiritual value for entire communities. The debate has now shifted from a single performance to a broader conversation about the responsibility of public figures in representing cultural symbols with care.