Ranveer Singh-Kantara mimicry row | Hindu outfit files police complaint in Goa even as actor tenders apology

Mumbai: As criticism erupted over Ranveer Singh’s mimicry of a pivotal scene from Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 closing ceremony in Goa, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has submitted a written complaint at Panaji police station even as the actor tendered an unconditional apology.

In a statement, Ranveer Singh said: “My intention was 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,” he said.

According to the HJS, Singh referred to the sacred deity of the Koti Tulu community, Shree Chamundi Daiva, as a “female ghost”.

The HJS submitted a written complaint at Panaji police station, demanding registration of a criminal case against Singh for insulting Chamundi Daiva and thereby hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus.

The memorandum was handed over to Police Sub-Inspector Sahin Shetye by Pramod Tuyekar and Dilip Shetye on behalf of HJS.

“This incident has created an atmosphere of resentment in society, and the possibility of disturbance to public peace cannot be ruled out. The Samiti has therefore urged that, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, sections 299, 194 and 302 relating to deliberate wounding of religious feelings and promoting enmity in society, a formal offence be registered against Ranveer Singh and a thorough investigation be conducted,” HJS spokesperson Ramesh Shinde said and sought an apology from Singh.

The HJS has also called upon the IFFI organisers and concerned authorities to frame a clear code of conduct to ensure that, in future, no religious deity of any faith is subjected to ridicule or disrespect at such events, and that this code is strictly implemented.