Bollywood / Ranveer Singh Embroiled in New Controversy, Calls 'Kantara' Deity 'Female Ghost'

Ranveer Singh's Controversial Remark on 'Kantara' Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh finds himself at the center of a new controversy following a recent public appearance, while during an event, while discussing the monumental success of Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter One' and praising Shetty's captivating performance, Ranveer made a statement that has now put him in the crosshairs of netizens. His comment, where he inadvertently referred to the revered deity depicted in the film as a 'female ghost', has sparked widespread outrage and criticism across social media platforms. This incident once again highlights the critical importance of religious and cultural sensitivity for public figures.

The Unprecedented Success and Cultural Depth of 'Kantara'

'Kantara: Chapter 1', starring and directed by Rishab Shetty, emerged as one of the most successful films of the year, while produced on a modest budget of 125 crore rupees, the film went on to collect over 800 crore rupees worldwide, a staggering figure that surprised many in the industry. Its collection in India alone surpassed 912 crore rupees, cementing its position as one of the highest-grossing films of the year, while beyond its commercial triumph, 'Kantara' resonated deeply with audiences by showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka's Tulu society, their indigenous deities, and the vibrant 'Dev' festivals celebrated with great fervor in the region. Rishab Shetty's performance, particularly in the climactic sequences, was widely acclaimed for its intensity and authenticity, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. The film became a cultural phenomenon, transcending regional boundaries and connecting millions with their roots and faith. *

Understanding the Deity vs. 'Kantara' is deeply rooted in the 'Daiva Aradhane' (spirit worship) tradition of the. Tulu community in Karnataka, where local deities are worshipped with immense reverence and respect. These 'Devas' or 'Daivas' are considered protectors, symbols of justice, and divine powers for the community, distinctly different from the Western concept of a 'ghost' or 'spirit'. Ranveer Singh's reference to a significant religious aspect of the film as a 'female ghost' demonstrates a profound lack of understanding of Tulu culture and its spiritual beliefs. This comment directly offends the religious sentiments of millions who hold unwavering. Faith in these deities and consider them an integral part of their lives. Such a mischaracterization can be deeply insulting to a large community.

The Incident at the IFFI Event and Ranveer's Statement

The controversial remark was made during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where Ranveer Singh was expressing his admiration for 'Kantara' and Rishab Shetty's craft. While elaborating on his experience of watching the film, Ranveer specifically referenced a. Pivotal scene where the deity Chamunda Mata is believed to enter Rishab Shetty's character. In his attempt to describe this powerful moment, Ranveer stated, "I saw this film in the theatre and your performance was fantastic Rishab, while especially when the female ghost enters you. " He then proceeded to mimic the scene, which reportedly drew laughter from Rishab Shetty and others present.

However, this particular choice of words, referring to a revered deity as a 'female ghost', has been perceived as deeply offensive by many, hurting religious sentiments and later sparking a fierce backlash on social media. Soon after the video of Ranveer Singh's comment surfaced on social media, users began to express their strong disapproval and anger. Many condemned his statement as an insult to religious beliefs and cultural sensitivities, questioning his awareness. One user commented, "What kind of film did he watch, calling a goddess a female ghost? "

Numerous other comments echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the actor for his apparent lack of understanding regarding the distinction between deities and supernatural entities. The controversy quickly gained traction, leading to a significant backlash against Ranveer Singh for what is being widely perceived as a disrespectful and insensitive remark. The online debate highlighted the expectation for celebrities to be culturally and religiously informed before speaking publicly.

The Importance of Accountability for Public Figures

This incident underscores the critical importance of religious and cultural sensitivity, especially for public figures. The subject matter of 'Kantara' is deeply sacred and revered by the Tulu community in Karnataka. To trivialise or mischaracterise a significant religious aspect of such a film can naturally offend the sentiments of a large number of people. Statements made by prominent actors like Ranveer Singh carry considerable weight and influence, and thus, a higher degree of caution and respect is expected from them, particularly when discussing topics related to a community's faith and traditions. As a celebrity, their words have a profound impact on society, and they're That's why expected to be more responsible in their public commentary.

Ranveer Singh's Upcoming Film 'Dhuranthar'

Amidst this controversy, Ranveer Singh is also in the news for his upcoming film, 'Dhuranthar', which is slated for release on December 5th. The film boasts an ensemble cast, featuring Ranveer Singh alongside Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Akshay Khanna. As the release date approaches, anticipation among fans is building. Sara Arjun's romance with Ranveer Singh in the film has also garnered attention, particularly due to the 20-year age difference between the actors, while a new song from 'Dhuranthar' has recently been released, showcasing their chemistry, which has been well-received. It remains to be seen how this current controversy might impact the reception of. His eagerly awaited film and whether Ranveer Singh will issue any clarification on the matter.

#RanveerSingh literally called Chavundi Mata a GHOST 😡😡😡

Mimicked her in funny way 🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️

Man is working hard to make things difficult for #Dhurandhar ‼️pic.twitter.com/HeNyi60lu7

— Pan India Review (@PanIndiaReview) November 29, 2025