Ranveer Singh’s attempt to fast track legal relief in the Daiva mimicry controversy has hit an immediate roadblock. The actor has moved the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash a criminal case registered against him over remarks and an imitation linked to the Daiva portrayal associated with the Kannada hit Kantara, but the court has declined his request for an urgent, same day hearing.
The matter is now slated to be taken up on Tuesday, with the High Court making it clear that the usual process will be followed.
Karnataka High Court Refuses Same-Day Listing, Sets Tuesday Hearing
According to the details placed before the court, Ranveer’s petition was mentioned before a bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna. His side argued that what triggered the complaint was meant as appreciation for actor filmmaker Rishab Shetty’s work and the film’s impact, and that the comments were being wrongly given a criminal colour.
In court, Ranveer’s counsel sought an immediate listing, citing urgency. The bench, however, questioned the need for special treatment just because the petitioner is a Bollywood actor. The request for a same day hearing was rejected, and the petition was posted for hearing on Tuesday instead.
The petition also notes that police have issued two notices to Ranveer in connection with the case, and that the continuing proceedings are putting undue pressure on him.
What Sparked The Daiva Mimicry Controversy
The controversy traces back to an appearance at an event during IFFI 2025, where Ranveer attempted to recreate a moment from Kantara involving the possession sequence tied to the Chamundi Daiva. While praising the film and Rishab Shetty, Ranveer said, “I watched Kantara Chapter 1 in theatres, and Rishab, it was an outstanding performance, especially when the female ghost (Chamundi daiva) enters your body that shot was amazing.”
He then imitated the scene on stage. Rishab, who was present, was seen signalling Ranveer to stop, with the moment quickly snowballing into backlash over the sacred nature of Daiva traditions.
Subsequently, a complaint was lodged alleging hurt religious sentiments, and Ranveer apologised through a social media post.
On January 29, Karnataka Police registered an FIR against the actor based on a complaint by law practitioner Prashanth Methal. Ranveer was booked under Sections 196, 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.
Ranveer Singh’s Recent And Upcoming Work
Ranveer was last seen in Dhurandhar (2025), directed by Aditya Dhar, an espionage action drama that marked his return to a big screen, larger-than-life zone. Before that, he headlined Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) opposite Alia Bhatt, a theatrical success that helped reset his box office momentum after the underperformance of Cirkus (2022).
On the future slate, Ranveer has several high profile projects in the discussion stage across the industry, with his next confirmed theatrical announcement keenly watched after the Don 3 recast news cycle and reports around shelved projects like Baiju Bawra. For now, the immediate spotlight is firmly on the legal battle, with Tuesday’s High Court hearing set to decide how quickly this case moves.
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