What is the story about?
The Karnataka High Court acknowledged Dhurandhar star Ranveer Singh’s unconditional apology in a controversy linked to his mimicry of a deity portrayed
in Kantara Chapter 1. The bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna recorded his undertaking to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill, Mysuru, and offer personal apologies for the matter. The counsel informed the court that a revised affidavit expressing regret has been filed. The complainant stated that the dispute was resolved amicably. The court has indicated that a formal order will be issued, where the actor may be directed to complete the temple visit within four weeks, possibly as a mark of respect and to bring the matter to a close.
Ranveer Singh's Kantara row update
During a media interaction at the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office, the complainant, advocate Prashant Methal, mentioned that the Ranveer Singh case had been settled. He said arguments were heard on theaffidavit filed in the court, which stated that the actor would visit Chamundi Hills in Mysore “in due course”. He added that they also argued about what constitutes a 'reasonable period', whether it is 15 days, 30 days, a year or even 10 years. The actor's lawyer said that it was not possible to give a specific timeframe due to security concerns.
Methal also expressed confidence that the Karnataka Police would ensure complete security arrangements during Ranveer Singh’s visit and noted that the bench agreed ith this view. An affidavit has been filed confirming that the actor will soon appear before the deity at the Chamundeshwari temple and apologize.
How Kantara row started?
For the unversed, during the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Ranveer Singh mimicked the intense climactic scene of Kantara: Chapter 1, referring to the revered Panjurli/Guliga Daiva spirit as a "female ghost". The event was came as derogatory, blasphemous and disrespectful to the cultural and spiritual heritage of coastal Karnataka, leading to widespread criticism on social media and a complaint filed by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.
Following that, a FIR was registered in Bengaluru against Singh under sections 196 (promoting enmity), 299 (outraging religious feelings), and 302 (intentional insult) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Addressing the whole matter, Singh said he respected all traditions and apologised if he had hurt anyone. He later issued an unconditional apology to the Karnataka High Court and offered to visit the Chamundeshwari temple as a mark of respect, leading to the court dismissing the case.
