Ranveer Singh moves Karnataka HC to quash FIR over alleged Kantara 2 Daiva gesture

The matter is expected to be heard by the High Court.

The FIR was registered in January 2026 at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru, following a complaint that Ranveer Singh had insulted Hindu religious sentiments and the Chavundi Daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka.

The case has been booked under Sections 196, 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The complaint was filed by Prashanth Methal, a 46-year-old Bengaluru-based advocate.

Allegations in the complaint

According to the FIR, the alleged incident took place during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India held in Goa on November 28, 2025.

The complainant alleged that the actor made objectionable remarks and performed a stage act that mocked and demeaned sacred elements of the Daiva tradition depicted in Kantara 2, directed by Rishab Shetty.

The FIR states that Methal came across a video of the performance on December 2, 2025, while browsing Instagram at the Karnataka State Billiards Association premises in Bengaluru. The video was allegedly shared by an account named “Brief Chaat”.

In his complaint, Methal alleged that Ranveer Singh mimicked expressions associated with Panjurli and Guliga Daiva in a crude and disrespectful manner. He further claimed that the actor referred to the sacred Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost”.

The complaint noted that Chavundi Daiva is worshipped as a guardian deity symbolising divine feminine energy in coastal Karnataka and holds deep religious significance for devotees.

Describing the deity as a ghost, the complainant alleged, amounted to a distortion that hurt religious sentiments and caused mental distress among followers of the Daiva tradition.

The FIR further alleged that the act was deliberate and malicious, intended to outrage religious feelings and promote social disharmony.

Case history

Earlier, a private complaint had been filed by the advocate on December 27, 2025, before the Additional Judicial Magistrate in Bengaluru.

On January 23, 2026, the court directed the High Grounds Police Station to register an FIR under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Following the court’s order, the police registered the FIR and the matter was later referred to the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru. The case was scheduled to be heard on April 8.

Ranveer Singh has now moved the Karnataka High Court seeking relief from the criminal proceedings.