Calls grow to boycott 'Dhurandhar' as Ranveer’s 'unnecessary' mimicry of Daiva sparks controversy

"Chavundi is the sacred Daiva of the Tulu people, a revered Goddess, not some Halloween ghost. Yet you mocked sacred beliefs and laughed. This isn’t “entertainment", it’s cultural ignorance and arrogance, said a user.

Bollywood livewire Ranveer Singh has landed himself in trouble after his act at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) went viral across social media platforms. Ranveer, one of the star-studded guests at the IFFI 2025 closing ceremony, was caught mocking the Tulunad tradition as he attempted to impress Rishab by mimicking one of the scenes from his movie Kantara Chapter 1.

The controversial act was not received positively by the netizens, and many criticised his act as disrespectful to the Tulunad tradition. Calling it unnecessary and disrespectful, several social media users sharply condemned his act and called Ranveer’s comments “insensitive,” “tone-deaf” and “disrespectful.”

“Ranveer Singh literally mocking Daiva Chavundi possession in Kantara. How low these movie stars can go for fame and money with zero respect for sacred Tulunad Daivaradhane beliefs. Shame. Rishabh is enjoying that mimic? (sic),” a user wrote on X.

Amidst the controversy, a movement to boycott his upcoming movie, Dhurandhar, is gaining significant momentum. Several social media users are actively urging others to avoid the movie.

“I was going to watch Dhurandhar, must now I will boycott @shetty_rishab sir you should have taken stand instead of laughing,” wrote one user on X.

“Chavundi is the sacred Daiva of the Tulu people, a revered Goddess, not some Halloween ghost. Yet you mocked sacred beliefs and laughed. This isn’t “entertainment”, it’s cultural ignorance and arrogance. Be ashamed. #KantaraChapter1 deserves respect, not your cheap mockery,” wrote another user.

“Let’s boycott #Dhurandhar! @RanveerOfficial must apologise Tulu people!,” another user added.

Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. Written, directed and produced by Aditya Dhar, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar. The movie is all set to release on 5th December 2025.