Karnataka High Court grants relief to Ranveer Singh in ‘Kantara’ mimicry case

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed authorities not to take any coercive action against Ranveer Singh, the Dhurandharfame actor, in connection with an FIR filed over his alleged mimicry of a sacred Daiva sequence from the film ‘Kantara’, as per reports.

The order came a day after the actor approached the court challenging the FIR registered against him. The court, however, instructed Singh to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. 

The matter is expected to be heard again at a later date, with the interim protection to remain in place until March 2, 2026.

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.

Singh is next set to appear in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, the sequel to his 2025 blockbuster ‘Dhurandhar’.