Karnataka Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh for allegedly insulting Hindu religious beliefs and sacred Daiva traditions during an event at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), officials said on Thursday.
The FIR was lodged at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru following a complaint filed by advocate Prashanth Methal.
The actor has been booked under Sections 196, 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which deal with acts threatening public order, deliberate attempts to outrage religious sentiments, and intentional wounding of religious feelings.
According to the complaint, Singh’s actions were “deliberate, intentional and malicious” and aimed at insulting the revered Chavundi Daiva, a guardian spirit worshipped in the coastal regions of Karnataka.
The complainant alleged that the act not only hurt his personal religious beliefs but also outraged the sentiments of millions of Hindu devotees, potentially fostering hatred and disharmony among religious groups.
The complaint further stated that during the closing ceremony of IFFI held in Goa on November 28, 2025, Singh allegedly enacted an emotional Daiva sequence inspired by Kantara: Chapter 1, despite an alleged request not to perform the sacred ritual on stage.
It was claimed that the actor referred to Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost,” which the complainant described as blasphemous and deeply offensive.
Clarifying the religious significance, the complainant asserted that Chavundi Daiva is not a ghost but a powerful guardian deity symbolising justice, protection and divine feminine energy, holding immense cultural and spiritual importance in Bhoota Kola rituals.
He also stated that the deity is his family deity, worshipped by him since childhood.
The FIR also mentions allegations that Singh imitated the divine expressions of Panjurli and Guliga Daiva in what was described as a crude, comical and derogatory manner.
The complainant argued that, as a widely followed public figure, the actor should have been aware that such an act on an international platform could seriously hurt religious sentiments.
It was further alleged that a video of the performance went viral on social media, causing mental anguish, anger and resentment among devotees.
The complainant said he came across the video later on Instagram, where it was posted by an account named “Brief Chaat”.
Police said further investigation into the matter is underway.
