In a shocking development, Bollywood heartthrob Ranveer Singh finds himself in legal trouble after an FIR was lodged against him in Bengaluru. The charges stem from his stage performance at the IFFI, where he allegedly disrespected Chavundi Daiva, a sacred folk deity worshipped fervently in Karnataka’s coastal belt.
Lawyer Prashant Methal approached the High Grounds police station, detailing how Singh enacted a scene from ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ that demeaned the deity. Organizers had explicitly asked him not to perform it, citing its religious significance, but the actor proceeded, labeling the divine figure as a ‘bhoot’ or ghost. This has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with devotees feeling deeply betrayed.
The legal action draws from key provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Section related to promoting enmity between groups threatens public tranquility. Another targets intentional insults to religious faiths, while the third addresses deliberate provocations through speech or actions that hurt sentiments.
Chavundi Daiva holds a special place as protector gods embodying fierce feminine energy in Tulu Nadu culture. For Methal, whose family has worshipped this deity for generations, the slur was personal and unforgivable. ‘Such mockery spreads hatred and divides society,’ he argued in his complaint.
The case underscores ongoing tensions between cinema’s bold storytelling and traditional reverence. ‘Kantara’, a blockbuster celebrating local folklore, ironically becomes the flashpoint. As investigations proceed, Singh’s silence amplifies the debate: Does artistic liberty extend to ridiculing sacred symbols?
Public reaction splits along predictable lines—some defend it as dramatic flair, others demand an apology. This FIR could set precedents for how stars navigate India’s complex religious landscape, reminding everyone that stages like IFFI are not just entertainment platforms but cultural crucibles.
