Did Ranveer Singh IGNORE Rishab Shetty's warning while mimicking sacred Daiva act from Kantara?

Ranveer Singh is once again trending online, but not for the reasons he'd hope. A moment from his appearance at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa has sparked a wave of criticism, after videos surfaced showing him performing a mimicry of the sacred Daiva ritual seen in Kantara, while standing in front of the film's creator and actor, Rishab Shetty. What seemed like a lighthearted gesture on stage quickly turned into a controversy, with many calling the act insensitive and disrespectful.

A Viral Moment Turns Uncomfortable

In the now-circulating clips, Ranveer is seen greeting Rishab Shetty warmly before attempting to imitate a scene from Kantara. The clip shows Rishab immediately lifting his hand and shaking his head, subtly signalling Ranveer to stop. Another angle of the same moment clearly shows the Kantara star repeating the gesture, almost cautioning him.

Despite noticing the warning, Ranveer later returned to the stage and continued referencing the performance, even removing his sunglasses and jokingly asking the crowd if they wanted to see him in Kantara 3.

That's where online reactions shifted sharply. Fans noted that the Daiva portrayal is not a character or gimmick, but a deeply sacred tradition tied to faith and cultural identity in coastal Karnataka.

Backlash Grows Online

Soon after the video spread, many users expressed their disappointment, especially since Ranveer performed the act while wearing shoes, something many found especially offensive.

Several pointed out that this wasn't ignorance, but disregard, since Rishab had already signalled him twice. Supporters of the filmmaker also praised his calm response, especially at an event of such stature.

A source close to the event reportedly shared that Rishab chose not to escalate the situation as a matter of dignity and respect.

Why The Reaction Is So Fierce

Since Kantara Chapter 1 was released, fans have been drawn deeply into its world, sometimes even recreating the Daiva look during screenings. At that time, the film's producers had already issued a reminder: Daiva worship isn't cosplay or performance, it's a sacred Tulu tradition.

Ranveer Singh hasn't responded to the backlash yet, but the debate continues to pick up momentum online. What was meant to be a playful moment has turned into a conversation about cultural sensitivity, celebrity boundaries, and respect for regional traditions.