Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has moved the Karnataka High Court challenging the FIR lodged against him for allegedly insulting a ‘deity’ by copying the film ‘Kantara Chapter 1’. The actor has requested the High Court to quash the FIR. The controversy pertains to comments allegedly made by Ranveer Singh about the film ‘Kantara’ at the Filmfare Awards ceremony in Goa. He is accused of imitating a god and calling him ‘Satan’.
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Based on the complaint lodged by advocate Prashant, an FIR was registered at High Grounds police station. The police had earlier issued a notice to actor Singh regarding this matter. After receiving no response from the actor, the High Grounds Police recently took steps to take further legal action, police sources said.
The entire issue of Ranveer Singh and ‘Kantara’ controversy is related to cultural sensitivity and religious faith. This dispute started in November 2025 and has now taken legal form.
The entire issue of Ranveer Singh and ‘Kantara’ controversy is related to cultural sensitivity and religious faith. This dispute started in November 2025 and has now taken legal form.
Start of controversy (November 2025)
The incident occurred during the ‘International Film Festival of India’ (IFFI) and another award ceremony held in Goa. On stage, Ranveer Singh praised the lead actor and director of the film ‘Kantara’ Rishabh Shetty and imitated a scene from the climax of the film.
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allegation of objectionable remarks
It is alleged that Ranveer Singh, while imitating the sacred ‘Daivas’ (revered deities of coastal Karnataka) like ‘Panjurli’ and ‘Guliga’ shown in the film, addressed them as ‘female ghost’ and ‘devil’ (devil).
In the culture of coastal Karnataka (Tulunadu), ‘Daiva’ is not considered a ghost, but a protector of justice and an embodiment of God.
People say that ‘Daiva Aradhana’ which is considered very sacred and serious in the society, Ranveer insulted it by presenting it in a ‘comic’ (funny) manner.
Rishabh Shetty’s warning
According to reports, Rishabh Shetty had reportedly advised Ranveer not to do such imitations as it is a very sensitive matter. Despite this, Ranveer performed the act on stage in his own style, after which huge protests started on social media.
Legal action and FIR
Prashant Methal, a Bengaluru-based lawyer, lodged a complaint in this regard at the High Grounds police station. After investigation, the police registered an FIR against Ranveer Singh under serious sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS) (such as hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between groups).