Get ready for a major controversy involving one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Ranveer Singh has found himself at the center of outrage after his speech at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India in Goa. While the actor was praising Rishab Shetty and Kantara Chapter 1, his choice of words and actions have deeply offended Kannada audiences.
At the IFFI Goa event, Ranveer turned his attention to Rishab Shetty’s powerful performance in the recently released Kantara prequel. However, what was supposed to be admiration quickly turned into a controversy. The actor referred to Chavudi daiva, the sacred deity from the film, as a “female ghost.” This reference has not gone down well with audiences who hold the coastal Karnataka bhootha aaradhane tradition in high regard.
The Offensive Mimicry
To make matters worse, Ranveer went ahead and did an impression of the deity possession scene from Kantara Chapter 1. He performed this mimicry cross eyed, with his tongue outstretched, and doing what he called a primordial scream. The actor reportedly said this would be his ticket to getting a role in the next chapter of Kantara.
This attempt at humor has backfired spectacularly. What Ranveer may have thought was a fun tribute came across as deeply disrespectful to the sacred traditions that the Kantara films represent. The bhootha aaradhane is a centuries old form of spirit worship in coastal Karnataka, and treating it as entertainment for laughs has angered many.
Netizens Express Outrage
Kannada audiences who saw clips of the speech expressed their anger on social media. Comments poured in from people who felt that the actor had crossed a line. One netizen wrote that Ranveer does not know the difference between God and ghost, emphasizing that Chavudi is a goddess and not a ghost, and that he was literally mocking on a big stage.
Others pointed out that this kind of behavior could make things difficult for his own film Dhurandhar, which is scheduled to release soon. Some even called his actions blasphemous, questioning how someone could be so insensitive about religious and cultural practices that hold deep meaning for an entire community.
Why Didn’t Rishab Shetty React
One of the most discussed aspects of this controversy is Rishab Shetty’s lack of response. The actor filmmaker was present at the event and was reportedly seen laughing at Ranveer’s performance. This has surprised many because Rishab has repeatedly urged audiences not to mimic the bhootha aaradhane after the release of both Kantara and Kantara Chapter 1.
Netizens are wondering why Rishab, who has been so vocal about respecting these traditions, failed to call out Ranveer’s inappropriate comments and mimicry. Some feel that he should have immediately corrected the misconception about calling the deity a ghost and discouraged the mockery on such a public platform.
About Kantara Chapter 1
Kantara Chapter 1 is a Kannada action thriller directed by and starring Rishab Shetty. The film is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara and explores the origins of the Guliga and Chavudi daiva traditions in coastal Karnataka. The film released recently and has been performing well at the box office while receiving praise for its authentic portrayal of local culture and traditions.
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