Kantara Chapter 1 Daiva Mimicry Row: Rishab Shetty Urges People 'Not To Mock' After Ranveer Singh Apology

The recent controversy around the Daiva sequence mimicry from Kantara Chapter 1 sparked a strong emotional response, with actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty urging people to treat sacred traditions with care

and respect. His remarks came after Ranveer Singh apologised for recreating the Daiva moment on stage, an act that many felt crossed a line.Speaking at a public event in Chennai, Rishab expressed discomfort over people imitating or mocking elements linked to Daiva worship. He stressed that while films may include dramatic storytelling, certain aspects go beyond cinema and hold deep cultural value for communities. However, he did not address Ranveer directly.

What Did Rishab Shetty Say?

Rishab explained that the Daiva element in Kantara is not just a visual highlight but a sacred belief system rooted in local traditions. He said, "That makes me uncomfortable. While much of the film is cinema and performance, the Daiva element is sensitive and sacred. Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or mock it. It is emotionally deeply connected to us."ALSO READ - Ranveer Singh’s Kantara Video To Deepika Padukone’s Spirit Exit: Bollywood's Biggest Controversies Of 2025He also spoke about the care and effort taken by the Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 team to present these rituals authentically. According to Rishab, extensive research and cultural understanding went into depicting the practices accurately. He reiterated that the intention was never to sensationalise but to help audiences understand the meaning, importance, and spiritual weight these traditions carry.

What Triggered Backlash Against Ranveer Singh

The controversy began after a video from the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India in Goa went viral. On stage, Ranveer spoke excitedly about watching Kantara Chapter 1 in theatres and praised Rishab's performance. He said, "I watched Kantara in theatres, and Rishab's performance was outstanding, especially when the female ghost enters your body; that shot was so amazing."

However, Ranveer went a step further by mimicking the Daiva sequence on stage. His enthusiastic recreation did not go down well with many viewers, who felt the act was disrespectful. Social media quickly erupted with criticism, with several users calling for a boycott of his upcoming films.

Ranveer Singh Issued Apology

Facing intense backlash, Ranveer addressed the issue through a public apology on Instagram. In his statement, he clarified that his intention was appreciation, not mockery. He wrote, "My intention was to highlight Rishab's incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it takes to perform that particular scene the way he did, for which he has my utmost admiration."He further added, "I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise."Meanwhile, Ranveer’s latest film Dhurandhar continues to perform exceptionally well at the box office, having crossed Rs 400 crore in just 12 days.