Kantara mimicry row: Ranveer Singh to file unconditional apology in Karnataka HC

Actor Ranveer Singh reportedly will submit an unconditional apology before the Karnataka High Court in connection with the controversy over his mimicry of a Daiva scene from Kantara: Chapter 1.

According to reports, the actor will file an affidavit on April 10, expressing regret over the incident. His legal team also informed the court that Singh plans to visit the Chamundi Temple to offer a personal apology.

The incident

The complaint was reportedly filed by a Bengaluru-based advocate, alleging that the actor had mocked the Chavundi Daiva tradition—regarded as sacred in parts of coastal Karnataka—during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in November last year.

The controversy arose when Singh, while promoting his film ‘Dhurandhar’ at the event in Goa on November 30, imitated a scene inspired by the Daiva ritual from ‘Kantara’. In a video that later went viral, the actor was heard praising filmmaker and actor Rishab Shetty’s performance, referring to the sequence as one in which a “female ghost enters your body”.

The remark triggered widespread criticism on social media, with several users accusing him of trivialising a deeply revered tradition. Singh subsequently issued a public apology, stating that he had not intended to hurt sentiments and had merely sought to commend Shetty’s performance.

As per reports, Shetty had politely asked Singh to refrain from mimicking the ritual during the event. 

Reports citing sources, the actor became animated while greeting guests, including veteran actor Rajinikanth and Shetty, and began imitating the Daiva performance before being requested to stop.

Days later, Shetty addressed the controversy without naming Singh directly. He said the Daiva element portrayed in the film was sensitive and sacred, and requested that it not be performed or mocked on public stages, as it held deep emotional significance for the community.