Bengaluru police register case following court direction over remarks made at IFFI 2025; actor apologised, probe ongoing
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh for allegedly disrespecting the ‘Chavundi Daiva’ tradition in the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which took place in Goa on November 28, 2025. The FIR was filed as per the directions of the Karnataka High Court.
The FIR was filed by an advocate who claimed that Ranveer Singh disrespected the guardian spirit, Chavundi Daiva, by calling it a “ghost” when he was speaking on stage. The complainant also claimed that the actor used exaggerated versions of the expressions used in the ‘Bhoota Kola’ ritual in front of actor Rishab Shetty, who acted in the movie Kantara: Chapter 1.
The case has been registered under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with acts intended to outrage religious feelings, insult religious beliefs, and promote enmity or disharmony between groups. The FIR states that referring to the Daiva as a ghost is blasphemous and a serious affront to Hindu religious beliefs and practices, particularly for devotees of the ‘Bhoota Kola’ tradition.
In December 2025, Ranveer Singh issued a public apology, expressing deep respect and admiration for Kantara and its cultural roots. He stated that there was no intention to hurt religious sentiments. Rishab Shetty, however, described the Daiva tradition as “sensitive and sacred” and said he felt uncomfortable during the incident. Police have confirmed that an investigation is currently underway. No arrest has been made so far. Authorities said further action will depend on the findings of the probe.
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