Ranveer Singh faces backlash for mimicking 'Kantara' scene at IFFI
What's the story
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has sparked controversy after his recent appearance at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) closing ceremony in Goa. While he was lauded for his tribute to superstar Rajinikanth, his reaction to Rishab Shetty's Kantara and mimicry of a character from the film drew severe backlash online. Many viewers found his portrayal disrespectful toward sacred cultural beliefs.
Controversial act
Singh's mimicry of 'Kantara's Chaundi sparks outrage
Singh praised Shetty's performance in Kantara Chapter 1 and referred to the character Chaundi/Chavundi (a female spirit worshipped in parts of South India) as a "female ghost." She is considered Guliga Deva's sister. He then mimicked the character on stage, crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue. This was met with laughter from the audience but sparked outrage online. One user on X said, "Ranveer's reaction to the Kantara scene really felt unnecessary and disrespectful."
Twitter Post
Take a look at Singh's act here
Ranveer Singh literally mocking Daiva Chavundi possession in Kantara.
— Vije (@vijeshetty) November 29, 2025
How low these movie stars can go for fame, money with zero respect for sacred Tulunad Daivaradhane beliefs🥺
Shame.
Rishabh is enjoying that mimic?@RanveerOfficial @shetty_rishab pic.twitter.com/F4x0X2rVmA
Online backlash
'How low these movie stars can go for fame'
Another user wrote, "Ranveer Singh literally mocking Daiva Chaundi possession in Kantara. How low these movie stars can go for fame, money with zero respect for sacred Tulunad Daivaradhane beliefs. Shame." A third user added, "Ranveer should have just kept his mouth shut and not have said anything about Kantara." Another said, "I hope being an ardent devotee of Daivas, @shetty_rishab called out that clown @RanveerOfficial to not enact Daiva like that. That too in a comic way."
Spirits in 'Kantara'
'History, not mythology': Shetty's past statement about the film
Speaking about the spirits and deities portrayed in Kantara, Shetty earlier said, "It's not just mythology for us. For us, it's history. It has happened, we've heard it in our folklore, and we still follow these traditions." "It's emotionally and spiritually connected to us. I've always wanted to share this story." "Also, through the film, we've addressed themes like man vs nature, greed, and the negativity of villains."
Ongoing controversy
Singh and Shetty yet to respond to criticism
As the debate continues, both Singh and Shetty have yet to respond to the online criticism. The incident comes days before Singh's upcoming film, Dhurandhar, releases on December 5. Directed by Aditya Dhar, it also features R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna, among others.