Bengaluru: Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is facing legal trouble after a complaint was filed against him at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru for mimicking a sacred ‘Daiva’ performance from Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ during his appearance at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on 28 November.

Bengaluru-based advocate Prashanth Metal lodged the complaint, alleging that Ranveer Singh recreated Rishab Shetty’s portrayal of Ullalthi Daiva in a manner that hurt religious sentiments. The advocate has accused the actor of referring to the Daiva as a demon and a female ghost while praising Kantara Chapter 1 and its lead actor-director Rishab Shetty.

The complaint has been registered under Sections 299, 302 and 196 of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, with the complainant stating that the actor’s “illegal and offensive actions” had hurt the sentiments of “millions of Hindus, particularly the Tulu-speaking community of Karnataka”.

Prashanth Metal further stated in his complaint that Ranveer Singh made derogatory remarks about the Ullalthi Daiva during his stage address at the closing ceremony of IFFI.

Ranveer Singh issues public apology

The controversy intensified a day after Ranveer Singh issued an apology through his Instagram Story.

“My intention was to highlight Rishab’s incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it takes to perform that particular scene the way he did, for which he has my utmost admiration.

“I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise,” Ranveer Singh wrote.

The actor had faced heavy trolling on social media after a clip of him mimicking the Daiva scene went viral online.

What the viral video showed

In the video, Ranveer Singh described how he experienced Kantara Chapter 1 in cinemas, saying, “I watched Kantara in theaters, and Rishab’s performance was outstanding, especially when the female ghost enters your body; that shot was so amazing.”

According to sources, Ranveer Singh had stepped off the stage to greet dignitaries, including Rajinikanth and Rishab Shetty, when he began mimicking the Daiva sequence.

The source said, as quoted by the publication, “Ranveer came down from the stage to greet the guests, including Rajinikanth and Rishab (Shetty). The moment he saw Rishab, he got excited and began mimicking the Daiva, which Rishab asked him to stop though politely.”