Ranveer Singh’s Kantara Mimicry at IFFI: Fun Gone Too Far? Full Controversy Explained!

The 56th IFFI was meant to be a gala event in Goa, a glittering convergence of stars and stories. The event ended with its livewire, Bollywood’s ultimate livewire, Ranveer Singh, landing in the cauldron of controversy. An actor known for his boundless energy and for being over-the-top in public, he has found himself at the center of a major cultural storm.

What was his transgression? A light-hearted, impromptu imitation of one of the most iconic and spiritually charged scenes from Rishab Shetty’s cinematic masterpiece, Kantara. What Ranveer might have intended as a humorous homage has been interpreted by millions as a deep and disrespectful mockery of the sacred Daiva traditions of coastal Karnataka. This incident raises critical questions about the fine line between appreciation and appropriation, and the responsibility of mainstream artists when engaging with regional cultures.

Setting the Stage: What Exactly Happened at IFFI Goa?

The closing ceremony of IFFI was in full swing, with Ranveer Singh sharing the stage with actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty. The conversation naturally veered towards the monumental success and impact of the Kantara franchise. Ranveer, true to his typical animated style, started praising the film to the skies. However, things took a drastic turn when he decided to physically demonstrate his appreciation.

He referred to the powerful “Chaundi” sequence from Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. In an attempt to be funny, he described the divine entity, Goddess Chavundi, as a “female ghost.” He then went ahead to mimic the possessed state of the character with exaggeration in his facial expressions-crossing his eyes, sticking his tongue out, and letting out a version of the film’s primal scream. The act was met with laughter from Rishab Shetty on stage, a reaction that has since become a point of contention itself.

To top it off, Ranveer pointed to Shetty jestingly and asked the audience, “Anybody here want to see me in Kantara 3? Tell this guy.” The whole interaction, probably supposed to be casual fun between two artists, was recorded on camera and went viral within no time on all social media platforms. The claps he received in the hall were soon submerged in a wave of outrage from the digital world.

Why is this Considered Disrespectful?

To an outsider, Ranveer’s antics would perhaps seem harmless fun-a Bollywood star having a good time. But the outrage isn’t over the mimicry of a movie scene in isolation. It is about the deep cultural and religious context that the scene represents. The Kantara movies are not some fantastical fiction but are deeply steeped in the real-world traditions of Tulu Nadu.

The scene Ranveer enacted is a film version of the age-old “Bhoota Kola” or “Daiva Nema.” It is a sacred ritual where, with extreme religiosity and ritual, a chosen performer is said to be possessed by a divine spirit or ‘Daiva.’ These Daivas, like Panjurli Vetal, Guliga, or in this case, the fierce Goddess Chavundi, are guardian deities worshipped by the communities.

They are celestial arbiters, not “ghosts.” In the possession, the performer is not acting; in the eyes of the devotees, he becomes the god, offering guidance, settling disputes, and blessing the community. It is a moment of supreme spiritual significance, treated with immense reverence and awe. By reducing this sacred state to a comical party trick with crossed eyes and a silly scream, Ranveer is seen as trivializing the very core of a living faith.

The Internet Exploded: Wave of Anger and Disappointment

Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with the public’s ire. Criticism was sharp and severe, and also highly emotive in nature. Users from coastal Karnataka and elsewhere expressed their deep hurt and disappointment.

One user epitomized the sentiment of many when he said, “Ranveer Singh literally mocking Daiva Chavundi possession in Kantara. How low these movie stars can go for fame, money with zero respect for sacred Tulunad Daivaradhane beliefs. Shame,” adding a pointed question, “Rishabh is enjoying that mimic?” This shows the double disappointment felt by some as to why Shetty, being the custodian of that culture, didn’t intervene.

Another user remarked on the lack of research: “What happens when we miss our research? Ranveer Singh calls Devi as Ghost, sparks outrage.” And this is something very important-the mistake of calling a Goddess, a “ghost” is a fundamental misrepresentation lying at the heart of the offense. The comments varied from sheer disrespect to critiques of his public persona, with some users terming his behavior “chhapri” and telling him to act more like the A-list star that he is.

Beyond the Gaffe: The Immense Cultural Significance of Kantara and Bhoota Kola

To understand the weight of this controversy, one must appreciate what Kantara achieved. Before this film was made, the rich and complex tradition of Bhoota Kola was little known to mainstream India. Rishab Shetty’s film did not just use it as a backdrop; it placed this tradition at the very heart of its narrative, educating a national audience about its power and significance.

The “primordial scream” Ranveer mimicked is not some cool cinematic effect, but that transcendental moment when the human and divine connect, the tipping point when the power of the deity takes over the mortal vessel. The visuals, the music, and Rishab Shetty’s own committed performance were designed to evoke holy fear and reverence, not laughter.

The film laboriously represented the rituals, the costumes, and the faith of the people. To the people of Tulu Nadu, Kantara was a big moment of pride: culture was being authentically represented on a national platform with respect. Ranveer’s act, therefore, feels like a betrayal of the same representation that reduces their faith to a caricature for cheap laughs at a film festival.

The Silence Speaks Volumes: Waiting for a Response

So far, there has been no public statement either by Ranveer Singh or Rishab Shetty in response to the growing criticism. This silence is very closely being tracked. For many, an apology from Ranveer on the cultural misstep is the non-negotiable first step towards damage control.

That would show an understanding that his platform comes with the responsibility to be cognizant of diverse and sensitive cultural practices. The ball is also slightly in Rishab Shetty’s court. As the filmmaker who brought this culture to the masses, his take on the incident was highly awaited. Would he justify it as harmless fun or stand in solidarity with the sentiments of his community?

A Pattern or a One-Off? Ranveer Under the Scanner

This certainly isn’t the first time that Ranveer Singh’s exuberant public persona has been debated upon. While his energy is often celebrated as a breath of fresh air in an otherwise-stiff industry, it has frequently also walked the razor’s edge. Critics have often pointed out that his need to be the center of attention can sometimes culminate in moments perceived as trying too hard or being insensitive.

The “Kantara mimicry” incident is viewed through this lens by many. The question is: where does a dynamic personality tip over into cultural tone-deafness? His fans argue that his intentions are pure and the outrage is an overreaction. But the volume and emotive intensity of the criticism suggest this is more than a classic case of “cancel culture.” It taps into a raw nerve of cultural identity and religious sentiment.

The Bigger Picture: A Lesson in Cultural Sensitivity for Mainstream Cinema

The controversy is, therefore, a part of the much bigger and ongoing conversation in India. As mainstream cinema starts to look to regional stories and folklore for inspiration more and more, the line between paying a tribute and being exploitative starts to blur. This incident serves as a crucial case study for all artists and creators. It underlines the absolute imperative of doing one’s homework. To get onto the stage of a culture requires more than a superficial understanding; it commands respect for its spiritual and emotional core. A five-minute conversation with cultural consultants or indeed even a more thoughtful engagement with Rishab Shetty off-stage might have avoided this PR disaster. It’s a stark reminder that what plays as fun in a five-star hotel venue can be deeply offensive to the community whose stories are being told.

More Than Just a Viral Moment:

It’s not a trivial case of a mimicked scene from a movie that has come back to haunt Ranveer Singh. This is a strong assertion of cultural identity from the people of Tulu Nadu, a demand that their gods, traditions, and faith be treated with the dignity they deserve, and even more so in the glitzy world of Bollywood. This whole incident brings to the fore the changing dynamic between India’s mainstream and its thriving regional culture. The success of Kantara was a testament to how audiences are hungry for stories that are authentic and rooted. But such success brings with it a responsibility of all players in this ecosystem-from creators to commentators-to engage with those stories thoughtfully. As for Ranveer Singh, this is a moment to listen and learn and perhaps realize that some traditions are sacrosanct, not a script for comedy.