A fresh controversy has erupted at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) after the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) filed an official complaint against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. The organisation has accused the actor of insulting religious sentiments during IFFI’s closing ceremony in Goa.
According to the complaint, Ranveer Singh allegedly mimicked the divine form portrayed in the film Kantara – Chapter 1 and further referred to Chamundi Daiva, a revered Kotitulu deity, as a “female ghost.” These remarks, HJS claims, were disrespectful and amounted to derogatory comments against a sacred cultural tradition.
The HJS stated that the Daiva tradition, particularly in coastal Karnataka, is deeply rooted in spirituality, family lineage, and centuries-old rituals. Any misrepresentation, they argue, can hurt the sentiments of devotees and distort the understanding of indigenous cultural practices.
The complaint seeks:
- A police inquiry into the actor’s statements
- Appropriate legal action for hurting religious sentiments
- A public apology from Ranveer Singh
The organisation also expressed concern that influential public figures must remain sensitive while representing cultural or religious symbols on prominent platforms such as IFFI.
Police have acknowledged receipt of the complaint, and further inquiry is awaited.
This controversy comes at a time when Kantara’s cultural impact has remained strong, especially among communities who consider Daiva worship a sacred responsibility rather than a performative art.
Further updates are expected as the matter progresses.
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