Who is Chavundi Daiva and how did Ranveer Singh's Kantara stunt cross the line?
India Today
Ranveer Singh faced backlash for mimicking the sacred Chavundi Daiva ritual at IFFI Goa. The incident sparked controversy over respect for Tulu Nadu's religious traditions.
Ranveer Singh has found himself in trouble for mimicking the famous Chavundi scene in Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 at the International Film Festival of India held in Goa on November 28, 2025. A complaint has been filed against the actor for hurting religious sentiments and for calling Chavundi as a "female ghost".
With a police complaint against Ranveer Singh, here we explain Ranveer Singh's actions, who Chavundi Daiva is and the traditions of Tulu region.
At IFFI Goa 2025, Singh took to the stage and re-enacted Rishab's Daiva performance in front of him. According to the complaint filed by Bengaluru-based advocate Prashanth Methal, Singh allegedly mimicked the divine expressions associated with Panjurli/Guliga Daiva in a crude and humorous manner while on stage, and referred to Chavundi Daiva as a "female ghost" in the presence of actor Rishab Shetty, the lead of Kantara: Chapter 1. It further claims that Singh continued the act despite being requested not to perform any Daiva-related portrayal.
Singh 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." This characterisation of a revered guardian deity as a "ghost" contributed to the controversy.
#RanveerSingh literally called chavundi mata a ghost and mimicked her in funny wayIsn't this Blasphemy pic.twitter.com/iJ1bAjRCLs— Tyler Burbun (@BurbunPitt) November 29, 2025
While Rishab Shetty seemed to be laughing initially at Ranveer's expression, another video shows the Kantara actor gesturing him not to mimic the Daiva act, which is culturally significant for the Tulu people.
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