Ranveer Singh Apologizes to Court Over Kantara Remarks | Chamundi Devi Controversy

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has offered an unconditional apology to the Karnataka High Court for his remarks about the depiction of deity Chamundi Devi in the film Kantara: Chapter 1, according to statements made in court on Tuesday.

Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Singh, informed the court that his client would file a formal affidavit of apology and personally visit the Chamundi Hills temple in Mysore, a significant site dedicated to the deity. Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over the case, stated that Singh’s initial comments were “not correct” and “not supported,” as reported by Bar and Bench.

The legal proceedings stem from a speech Singh delivered at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. While praising actor Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara: Chapter 1, Singh referred to Chamundi Devi as a “female ghost” and subsequently mimicked Shetty’s portrayal of the deity, sparking widespread controversy on social media.

Following the public outcry, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Bengaluru ordered an investigation under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The High Grounds Police Station subsequently registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Singh, alleging offenses under Sections 196 (relating to religious enmity), 299 (concerning religious insult), and 302 (pertaining to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Singh contested the FIR in the High Court, arguing that his remarks were taken out of context and that he harbored no intention to offend any religious sentiments. He asserted that his comments were solely intended as appreciation for Shetty’s acting and emphasized his respect for all cultures and traditions. He also maintained that the elements required to establish the alleged offenses – malicious intent, incitement to violence, or the creation of communal disharmony – were absent.

The complainant, represented by advocate Siji Malayil, requested a direct, oral apology from Singh, expressing skepticism about the sincerity of a previous apology posted on the social media platform X, which they believed was issued through his management team.

Rishab Shetty, director and star of Kantara, recently addressed the controversy, stating that while he appreciated the film’s reach, he felt uncomfortable with instances of the sacred “daiva” element being reenacted or mocked. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Shetty emphasized the sensitivity and sacredness of the cultural elements depicted in the film and requested that they not be performed on stage or subjected to ridicule. He acknowledged the inherent risks of portraying deep-rooted traditions in cinema and the potential for cultural dilution once a film gains wider exposure.

The Karnataka High Court has scheduled a further hearing in the matter for April 10.