Row Erupts: Ranveer Singh Accused of Insulting Sacred Rituals

A significant controversy has erupted around Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, who is facing legal scrutiny for allegedly mocking sacred Daiva rituals depicted in the critically acclaimed film ‘Kantara’. While attending the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 28th, Singh reenacted a performance of Chavundi Daiva, a character portrayed by Rishab Shetty in ‘Kantara’. This act has led to a formal complaint filed by advocate Prashanth Metal. The complaint asserts that Singh’s performance was not only illegal and offensive but also deeply disrespectful to the Tulu community and a vast number of Hindu devotees. The police have initiated proceedings under the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, based on the complaint. Reports indicate that the advocate also claims Singh uttered derogatory statements about the Ullalthi Daiva during his IFFI speech. In response to widespread backlash, Singh had previously issued an apology, explaining his admiration for Rishab Shetty’s performance and his profound respect for cultural traditions. He emphasized that his intent was never to cause offense. The ‘Kantara’ franchise has effectively brought national attention to ‘Daiva worship’, a deeply rooted spiritual practice in Karnataka’s coastal Tulunadu region. This tradition, known as ‘Dhaivaradhane’, is central to the Tulu community’s cultural and religious identity, involving the invocation of divine spirits through sacred dances and rituals. The film’s portrayal of Daiva highlights the intensity and spiritual significance of these ceremonies.