The Karnataka High Court on Monday sent a clear message that fame does not grant a “fast track” to justice. Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle over his mimicry of the sacred Daiva rituals from the film Kantara, was denied an immediate hearing by the court.
The actor had approached the High Court seeking to quash an FIR registered against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. However, the bench made it clear that the case would follow the standard legal timeline, stating there would be “no special treatment” for celebrities.
The Legal Stand-Off
Representing Ranveer Singh, legal counsel argued for an urgent session, citing “undue pressure” on the actor after he received two police notices. The defense maintained that Singh’s actions during a public event were intended as a “tribute” and “genuine appreciation” for Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara: Chapter 1, rather than an attempt to mock the culture.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who headed the bench, was reportedly unimpressed by the request for an expedited hearing. The judge posed a sharp rhetorical question to the defense, asking:
“Should the matter be taken up urgently just because the petitioner is a Bollywood star? Would the court be expected to act with the same speed if it were a Hollywood actor?”
The court declined the request for a same-day hearing and scheduled the matter for its regular slot on Tuesday, February 24.
Roots of the Controversy
The controversy stems from an incident at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa in November 2025. During the closing ceremony, Ranveer Singh took to the stage and performed a high-energy imitation of the Bhoota Kola (spirit worship) sequences popularized by the film Kantara.
The backlash was swift, primarily focusing on two points: The Mimicry: Critics and devotees argued that the Daiva (deity) rituals are sacred and spiritual, not a costume or a performance for casual entertainment.
The Description: Singh allegedly referred to the revered Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost” or “demon,” a term that many in the Tulu-speaking community of coastal Karnataka found deeply offensive and derogatory.
Following a complaint by Bengaluru-based advocate Prashanth Methal, an FIR was filed under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with promoting enmity and deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
A “Tribute” Misunderstood?
In his petition, Singh’s legal team argued that the actor is a deep admirer of the film and that his “actor-to-actor” appreciation has been “wrongly given a criminal angle.” Although the actor issued a social media apology shortly after the event, the legal proceedings have continued to gain momentum.
The case has reignited a nationwide debate on the boundaries of “artistic expression” when dealing with indigenous traditions and sacred rituals. For now, the Bollywood star must wait his turn in line like any other citizen. To know such latest updates updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
