Bengaluru, April 25: The Karnataka High Court on Saturday, April 25, accepted an unconditional apology and undertaking from Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh to personally visit the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru and seek forgiveness for mimicking a sacred deity during a public event — bringing a formal resolution to the high-profile Kantara mimicry controversy that had sparked widespread outrage across India.

Court Accepts Unconditional Apology, Formal Order Awaited

A bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna accepted Ranveer Singh's revised affidavit, which contained an unconditional apology for his mimicry of the Panjurli/Guliga Daiva — revered divine spirits in Coastal Karnataka — during the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa on November 28, 2024.

The court indicated it would pass a formal order after officially recording the actor's apology on the judicial record. The bench further signalled it may direct Ranveer Singh to complete the temple visit within four weeks.

Senior Counsel Sajjan Poovayya, representing the actor, told the court that his client had filed a revised affidavit with an unconditional apology and had committed to visiting Chamundi Hill in Mysuru to personally apologise before the goddess.

Complainant Confirms Settlement, Raises Timeline Concerns

Speaking to media outside the Bengaluru Police Commissioner's office, complainant and advocate Prashant Methal confirmed that the case had been settled. He said arguments were heard on the affidavit submitted to the court, which stated the actor would visit Chamundi Hill "in due course."

Methal noted that he raised objections over the vague phrase "due course," questioning whether it meant 15 days, 30 days, one year, or even 10 years. The actor's legal team cited security concerns as the reason for not committing to a specific date, reportedly referencing the heightened security requirements following the success of the Durandhar film franchise.

Methal expressed confidence in the Karnataka Police, stating they were fully capable of providing foolproof security during the actor's visit. He said the bench agreed with this position.

The complainant concluded by invoking the principle of forgiveness, saying, "Forgiveness is a fundamental principle of all religions. Since he has tendered an apology, no further punishment is necessary." He added that it would not be appropriate to prolong the matter further.

The Controversy: What Happened at IFFI 2024

The row originated on November 28, 2024, at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where Ranveer Singh reportedly referred to the sacred Chamundi deity as a "female ghost" and mimicked a scene from the blockbuster film Kantara Chapter-1.

Advocate Prashant Methal filed a formal complaint alleging that the mimicry of the Panjurli/Guliga Daiva — spirits deeply venerated in Coastal Karnataka's Tulu Nadu tradition — was crude, derogatory, and blasphemous. The complaint led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the actor.

The FIR was registered under Sections 196 (promoting enmity between groups), 299 (outraging religious feelings), and 302 (intentional insult) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Court's Strong Rebuke and Broader Implications

Justice M. Nagaprasanna had earlier pulled up Ranveer Singh for being "reckless and insensitive," emphasising that public figures carry a heightened responsibility in their public conduct. The court noted that "freedom of expression does not excuse casual or uninformed remarks about matters of faith."

This case is significant beyond the individual controversy — it sets a precedent for how courts in India treat celebrity conduct involving religious sensitivities. In an era where social media amplifies every public statement, the ruling reinforces that Bollywood celebrities are not immune from accountability when their actions are perceived as disrespectful to religious communities.

The Kantara franchise, directed by Rishab Shetty, brought global attention to the Bhoota Kola tradition of Coastal Karnataka. The mimicry row highlighted a sharp tension — the same cultural celebration that made Kantara a global phenomenon was allegedly trivialised by a prominent actor at a national platform.

What Happens Next

The Karnataka High Court is expected to issue a formal judicial order in the coming days, officially directing Ranveer Singh to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill, Mysuru within a stipulated timeframe — likely four weeks from the date of the order.

Once the actor completes the temple visit and tenders his apology before the deity, the court is expected to formally close the case. All eyes will be on whether Ranveer Singh fulfils this commitment promptly, given the public and religious significance of the gesture.