Bollywood star Ranveer Singh is facing a cultural firestorm, and it’s all because of a single remark that has left the Kannadiga community deeply offended. But here’s where it gets controversial: during the IFFI 2025 closing ceremony, while praising Rishab Shetty’s stellar performance in Kantara: Chapter 1, Ranveer referred to the revered deity Chamundi as a “female ghost” and mimicked the iconic scream from the film. What seemed like a lighthearted moment to some was seen as a blatant mockery of a sacred figure by many Kannadigas. The clip went viral, sparking widespread outrage on social media, with users demanding a public apology from the actor. And this is the part most people miss—Rishab Shetty, who was present at the event, remained silent, leaving many to wonder about his stance on the issue.
The backlash has put Ranveer in a tight spot, with fans and critics alike eagerly awaiting his response. Will he issue an apology to quell the anger, or will he choose to remain silent? The controversy comes at a critical time for the actor, who has been tirelessly promoting his upcoming film Dhurandhar, slated for a December 5, 2025, release. This incident also follows closely on the heels of Deepika Padukone’s high-profile exit from two major Tollywood projects, Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD, after she stood firm on her eight-hour workday rule, leading to her replacement by the filmmakers.
Meanwhile, the Hindi version of Kantara: Chapter 1 has made its debut on Amazon Prime Video, receiving a decent reception from viewers. But the real question remains: Is Ranveer’s remark a harmless oversight or a deeper cultural insensitivity? Let’s not forget, cultural representation in cinema is a double-edged sword—while it brings stories to a wider audience, it also risks oversimplifying or misrepresenting sacred traditions. What do you think? Should Ranveer apologize, or is the backlash unwarranted? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding drama.
