Kantara's Rishab Shetty BREAKS SILENCE On Ranveer Singh's Daiva Controversy: That Makes Me Uncomfortable

Actor-director Rishab Shetty has addressed the Ranveer Singh Kantara controversy, saying it feels 'uncomfortable’ when sacred daiva rituals are copied casually. Shetty stressed that Daivas and Bhoota Kola practices are holy within Tulu culture and urged people not to imitate these rituals for entertainment or without proper understanding.

The controversy began after Ranveer Singh mimicked the Chaundi sequence from Kantara during a discussion at IFFI. The act drew strong criticism online, as many viewers felt the imitation treated a sacred representation as a comic moment. Ranveer Singh later issued a public apology following the backlash.

Ranveer Singh Kantara controversy: key moments and timeline

Shetty recently spoke about the issue at an event, without naming anyone, and explained why the portrayal matters. Highlighting the difference between cinema and belief, Shetty said, "That makes me uncomfortable. While much of the film is cinema and performance, the daiva element is sensitive and sacred. Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or mock it. It is emotionally deeply connected to us," as quoted by Hindustan Times.

For communities in coastal Karnataka, daiva worship and Bhoota Kola rituals are tied to ancestry, land and identity. Performers undergo training and follow strict customs. According to Shetty, these traditions are not stage acts but living practices. This is why copying them without guidance or context can feel like disrespect to those who follow them.

Date	Event linked to Ranveer Singh Kantara controversy
IFFI session, 2025	Ranveer Singh imitates Chaundi scene from Kantara on stage
Following days in 2025	Clip goes viral; social media criticism emerges
Weeks later in 2025	Rishab Shetty comments that such enactments make Shetty uncomfortable

Ranveer Singh Kantara controversy and the Chaundi scene’s sensitivity

In Kantara, the Chaundi appearance forms part of one of the film’s most intense segments. Chaundi is shown as the fierce sister of Guliga Daiva, combining trance, ritual dance and coastal folklore. The character symbolises divine fury and ancestral protection, which is why many viewers object strongly when this scene is turned into a joke.

At IFFI, Ranveer Singh recreated the Chaundi moment while on stage with Rishab Shetty. Singh crossed the eyes, stuck the tongue out and added a loud “primordial scream”, calling Chaundi a "female ghost". Singh then quipped, "Anybody here want to see me in Kantara 3? Tell this guy," while pointing at Shetty, who was seen laughing.

The video clip spread widely on social media platforms. Many users argued that Ranveer Singh treated a sacred ritual as a comic act. After criticism grew, Singh issued a detailed statement. Singh said, "I intended to highlight Rishabh's incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene in the way that 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."

Shetty’s latest remarks, along with Ranveer Singh’s apology, underline how religious and folk practices from regions like coastal Karnataka carry deep emotional weight.