An FIR has been registered against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru for allegedly insulting Hindu religious sentiments and the revered Chavundi Daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka, according to a report by NDTV.
Allegations linked to public performance
The complaint relates to an incident at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa on November 28, 2025. During the event, Ranveer Singh reportedly mimicked a Daiva performance inspired by Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty.
The act drew criticism online, with devotees and cultural observers alleging that the portrayal trivialised sacred rituals associated with Daiva worship.
What the complaint states
The FIR was filed by Prashanth Methal, a 46-year-old Bengaluru-based advocate. According to the complaint, the actor allegedly performed exaggerated expressions linked to Panjurli and Guliga Daiva in a comical manner and referred to Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost”. The complainant stated that this amounted to a serious misrepresentation of a guardian deity revered in coastal Karnataka.
The case has been registered under Sections 196, 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing deliberate and malicious intent to outrage religious feelings and promote social disharmony.
Matter before the court
The complainant said he came across a video clip of the performance on December 2, 2025, via Instagram. A private complaint was subsequently filed on December 27, 2025, before an Additional Judicial Magistrate in Bengaluru. Acting on court directions dated January 23, 2026, the police registered the FIR.
The matter has now been referred to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru and is scheduled for hearing on April 8.