Ranveer Singh Issues Apology After Kantara Controversy: Exploring The Thin Line Between Tribute And Mockery

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On 30 November 2025, at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Ranveer Singh performed a dramatic recreation of a "Daiva" scene from 'Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1'. His act included exaggerated facial expressions, sounds, loud gestures, and a reference to the spirit as a "female ghost."

Photo Credit: Oneindia

In the film, the Daiva is a revered guardian spirit rooted in local folklore. For many viewers, calling it a "ghost" and performing the ritual theatrically felt disrespectful. While the live audience laughed at the moment, a video of the performance quickly spread online. Social media users labelled it "insensitive" and "disrespectful," and some cultural groups filed formal complaints, arguing that the portrayal hurt religious sentiments.

Ranveer Singh's Apology

Today, on 2nd December 2025, Ranveer Singh issued a public apology via Instagram. He clarified that his intention was to honour Rishab Shetty's performance, not to mock the tradition.

He wrote that he "has always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in the country," and expressed regret if anyone felt offended by the act. The apology highlighted the thin line between admiration and misinterpretation when dealing with culturally sensitive material.

Why Awareness Matters Before We Speak

Before commenting on traditions, folklore or rituals, it helps us to stop and understand what we're referring to. In Ranveer Singh's case, the issue wasn't just the mimicry, it was the description. What he casually called a "female ghost" was, in fact, a revered Daiva, worshipped as a guardian spirit and viewed with the same respect as a goddess in coastal Karnataka.

For many communities, a Daiva isn't a fictional character; it carries spiritual meaning and a long cultural lineage. When such a figure is reduced to a ghost for humour or performance, it doesn't just sound inaccurate, it feels disrespectful. A little awareness before speaking can make all the difference, because what seems light-hearted to one person might feel hurtful to someone else who holds that tradition close.

When Folklore Meets Film

Folklore isn't just a story. For many communities, it carries history, identity, and spiritual meaning. When films or public performances draw on these traditions, creators face a delicate challenge.

On one hand, respectful portrayals can celebrate culture and introduce audiences to traditions they may not know. On the other, misrepresentation can trivialise beliefs and trigger strong reactions. The diversity of audiences - urban, rural, local, international makes the balance even harder.

Tribute vs Mockery: Understanding The Difference

There are a few key factors that separate homage from mockery:

• Intent and research: Tribute begins with respect and understanding. Mockery often arises from casual assumptions or exaggeration.
• Context: Rituals carry emotional and spiritual weight. Taking them out of context can feel disrespectful.
• Representation vs entertainment: When folklore becomes a prop for comedy or drama, it risks alienating communities.
• Audience perception: What seems harmless to some may be deeply offensive to others, especially when sacred traditions are involved.

In Ranveer's case, his admiration for Shetty was clear. But the combination of exaggeration and mislabeling the Daiva as a "ghost" crossed the line for many, highlighting how easy it is to unintentionally offend. The Kantara mimicry controversy shows how delicate the intersection of tradition, folklore, and performance can be. Cinema and performances have the power to celebrate heritage and educate audiences but they also carry the risk of misrepresentation and offence. Always remember, tribute respects, mockery alienates.