Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is facing legal scrutiny after a private complaint accusing him of insulting religious sentiments during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 was taken up by a Bengaluru court.
The alleged incident occurred on November 28, 2025, at the IFFI closing event in Goa, where Singh shared the stage with Rishab Shetty, the lead actor of Kantara: Chapter 1. According to the complaint, Singh allegedly mimicked divine expressions associated with Panjurli and Guliga Daiva in a manner described as crude and comical. The complainant further alleges that Singh referred to Chavundi Daiva—a revered guardian spirit in the Bhoota Kola tradition—as a “female ghost,” an assertion considered deeply offensive by followers.
The complainant, Bengaluru-based advocate Prashanth Methal, stated that Chavundi Daiva holds immense religious and cultural significance in Coastal Karnataka and symbolises justice, protection, and divine feminine energy. He asserted that the deity is not a ghost but a sacred guardian spirit, and any portrayal otherwise amounts to a serious affront to Hindu religious beliefs.
It has also been alleged that Singh proceeded with a Daiva-inspired enactment despite being requested not to perform any such act on stage. The complaint claims the act was deliberate and intended to outrage religious feelings, insult faith in Chavundi Daiva, and disturb communal harmony.
The private complaint was filed on December 27, 2025, before the Additional Judicial Magistrate Court in Bengaluru. On January 23, the court directed the High Grounds police to register a case under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Subsequently, an FIR was registered under Sections 196, 299 and 302 of the BNS.
Following the controversy, Ranveer Singh issued a public apology addressing the incident. The matter has now been referred to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru and is scheduled for hearing on April 8.
