The flamboyant Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has approached the Karnataka High Court in a bid to quash a First Information Report (FIR) registered against him in Bengaluru. The legal dispute stems from allegations that the actor insulted the sacred cultural and religious traditions of coastal Karnataka during a high-profile film festival.
Origins of the Allegations
The controversy dates back to the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa on 28 November 2025. During the event, which was celebrating the upcoming cinematic venture Kantara 2, Ranveer Singh delivered a stage performance intended to pay homage to the “Daiva” traditions made famous by the original film.
However, Prashant Methal, a Bengaluru-based advocate, took grave offence to the portrayal. According to the complaint filed at the High Grounds Police Station in January 2026, the actor’s performance mocked the sanctity of the Chavundi Daiva, a revered protective deity in coastal Karnataka. The lawyer claimed he discovered the “blasphemous” content via an Instagram video on 2 December.
The Core of the Dispute
The FIR details specific grievances regarding the actor’s conduct. It is alleged that Ranveer Singh mimicked the sacred expressions of Panjurli and Guliga Daiva—elements central to the Bhoota Kola tradition—in a derogatory manner. Furthermore, the complainant expressed outrage over the actor purportedly referring to the Chavundi Daiva as a “lady ghost.”
In the cultural fabric of the Tulu Nadu region, these spirits are not viewed as mere folklore or “ghosts” but as powerful manifestations of divine energy and justice. Using colloquial or dismissive terms for these entities is considered a profound violation of religious sentiment.
Legal Framework and Timeline
The case has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the modernised penal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
| Event | Date |
| Alleged Incident at IFFI Goa | 28 November 2025 |
| Initial Private Complaint Filed | 27 December 2025 |
| Court Orders Police to File FIR | 23 January 2026 |
| High Court Quashing Petition Filed | February 2026 |
| Next Scheduled Hearing (Magistrate) | 08 April 2026 |
The legal proceedings are currently being overseen by the First Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Bengaluru. Ranveer Singh’s legal team argues that the performance was an artistic tribute with no malicious intent to wound religious feelings. They contend that the FIR is an overreach and misinterpretation of creative expression.
With the High Court now seized of the matter, the film industry and legal experts alike are watching closely. The outcome could set a significant precedent regarding the intersection of cinematic representation and sensitive regional traditions.