Bengaluru, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police have initiated an FIR against Bollywood star Ranveer Singh for purportedly disrespecting the gods and revered Daiva traditions during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), as reported by authorities on Thursday.

The High Grounds police in Bengaluru registered the FIR after a complaint was filed by lawyer Prashanth Methal.

Ranveer Singh faces charges under Sections 196 (threat to public order and social cohesion), 299 (malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 302 (intentional wounding of religious feelings) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Act.

The complainant alleged that the actions of Ranveer Singh were intentional and malicious, aimed at inciting outrage among religious followers, not just his own but also millions of Hindu devotees, fostering enmity and discord among different religious groups, and insulting his faith in 'Chavundi Daiva', thus showing disrespect to a sacred tradition and disturbing communal harmony.

It is further claimed that the actor performed the emotional 'Chavundi Daiva' scene from Kantara: Chapter 1 despite requests to refrain from performing the 'Daiva' act. The complainant emphasized that Chavundi Daiva is not merely a female ghost, but a powerful guardian spirit embodying justice, protection, and divine feminine energy, holding profound religious and cultural significance in the coastal region.

Referring to the deity in such a manner is deemed blasphemous and a serious affront to Hindu religious beliefs, the complainant asserted.

The FIR states, "The complainant is a devotee of Chavundi Daiva, a revered guardian spirit worshipped in the traditional Bhoota Kola rituals of Coastal Karnataka, and this deity is also his family deity, worshipped with divine pleasure since childhood."

The complainant noted that on November 28, 2025, during the closing ceremony of IFFI in Goa, Ranveer Singh, a public figure, allegedly performed acts that mocked and insulted the sacred 'Daiva' tradition.

Furthermore, the complainant alleged that the actor crudely imitated the divine expressions of 'Panjurli/Guliga Daiva' in a comical and derogatory fashion, even referring to the sacred Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost.”

Being a widely recognized public figure, the complainant contended that the actor knowingly performed this act on an international stage, aware that it would offend the religious sentiments of many devotees. The video of the performance reportedly went viral on social media, causing significant distress and anger among the complainant and other followers.

The complainant further mentioned that he learned about the incident later upon viewing the video on Instagram, shared by an account named “Brief Chaat.” Ongoing investigations are in progress.