Kantara creator Rishab Shetty breaks silence on sacred Daiva mockery, avoids naming Ranveer Singh

The closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 30 sparked an unexpected controversy when Dhurandhar star Ranveer Singh imitated the Daiva sequence from Kantara: A Legend- Chapter 1. Despite Rishab Shetty requesting him not to do so, Singh went ahead with the act and even referred to Chamundi Daiva as a “female ghost,” triggering sharp criticism online.

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Social media users were quick to express outrage, calling the imitation insensitive and disrespectful to a sacred ritual deeply rooted in local tradition. The clip soon went viral, placing Singh at the centre of a cultural backlash.

Rishab Shetty Breaks His Silence

Days after the incident, Rishab Shetty finally addressed the issue- without naming anyone- during a Behindwoods event in Chennai. Speaking about the larger concern of imitating sacred onscreen moments, the Kantara creator made his discomfort clear.

He said, "That makes me uncomfortable. While much of the film is cinema and performance, the Daiva element is sensitive and sacred. Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or mock it. It is emotionally deeply connected to us."

Shetty emphasised that certain elements of Kantara go beyond cinematic expression and are intertwined with faith and cultural identity.

Rishab Shetty on His Intention of Making Kantara

Elaborating further, Shetty highlighted the painstaking effort put in by the Kantara: A Legend- Chapter 1 team to portray local customs with honesty and respect. He reiterated that the intention was never spectacle alone, but awareness, so audiences could grasp the depth, importance and spiritual weight of these rituals.

According to him, authenticity was central to the film’s soul, ensuring that tradition was represented, not trivialised.

From Stage Imitation to Instagram Apology

The controversy began with a viral video where Ranveer Singh excitedly spoke about watching Kantara in theatres.

While praising Shetty’s performance, he remarked, "I watched Kantara in theatres, and Rishab's performance was outstanding, especially when the female ghost enters your body; that shot was so amazing."

Must Check: Ranveer Singh apologises after massive backlash for mimicking Rishab Shetty’s iconic Kantara act and 'ghost' remark

Singh then went on to imitate the Daiva act, later adding that audiences might be eager to see him in the third instalment of Kantara. However, the remarks did not land well.

Following intense backlash, the actor issued an apology via his Instagram Story, expressing regret over the incident.