Ranveer Singh’s ‘Kantara’ reenactment at IFFI sparks cultural row; actor issues apology

A light-hearted moment at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 closing ceremony in Goa has turned into a cultural controversy, prompting actor Ranveer Singh to issue a public apology. The actor faced criticism for recreating a key scene from Kantara: Chapter 1 on stage, a performance many viewers felt was insensitive, particularly because Rishab Shetty, the film’s director and lead actor, was present in the audience.

The tension arose not just from the imitation itself but from Singh’s reference to the daiva portrayal in the film as “ghosts”, a word that immediately drew objections from viewers and cultural commentators who felt it reduced a deeply rooted tradition to casual theatrics.

As the debate gathered momentum online, Singh responded through an Instagram Story, clarifying the intent behind his act. He wrote that his performance was meant to appreciate Shetty’s craft, not belittle it. According to Singh, the climactic daiva sequence in Kantara: Chapter 1 was one he deeply admired, and recreating it on stage was meant as a tribute to Shetty’s effort and intensity.

The actor further emphasised that he holds India’s varied cultural practices in high regard. “I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country,” he wrote, adding that he was sorry if his words or actions had hurt sentiments.

At the ceremony, Singh had addressed Shetty directly while reenacting the scene, praising his work and recalling how powerfully the performance had struck him in theatres. The moment, however, landed differently for viewers who felt that the tone and phrasing dulled the spiritual significance of daiva traditions.

With the apology now issued, the controversy has shifted into a broader conversation about cultural representation at public events, and the care expected from celebrities when referencing rituals and practices that carry sacred meaning for many communities.