'Kantara' Actor Rishab Shetty Issues First Statement Post 'Dhurandhar' Star Ranveer Singh Mimicking Daivas: 'I request people not to perform it on stage or...'

Chennai, India - In the wake of controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh's mimicry of Daivas, sacred deities from the movie Kantara: Chapter 1, actor and director Rishab Shetty has issued his first public statement addressing the matter. Speaking at a Behindwoods event in Chennai, Shetty expressed his discomfort with the imitation of Daiva rituals, emphasizing their cultural and spiritual significance.

The controversy erupted earlier this month during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. While interacting with Shetty, Ranveer Singh mimicked the Daiva movements, a gesture he repeated on stage despite Shetty's apparent disapproval. This sparked immediate backlash online, with many deeming it disrespectful to a revered tradition.

Shetty, the writer, director, and lead actor of Kantara and Kantara: Chapter 1, addressed the incident indirectly, without explicitly naming Singh. He acknowledged the inherent risk in creating films rooted in culture, that the culture and tradition may be reduced to pop culture. He stated that as a filmmaker, he sought guidance from elders to ensure respectful portrayal of the rituals.

"That makes me uncomfortable," Shetty stated. "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". He also conveyed feeling disheartened when he witnesses the Daivas being mimicked or mocked, especially after the film's team has requested otherwise.

Singh later issued a public apology on Instagram, stating that his intention was to highlight Shetty's performance and that he deeply respects every culture, tradition, and belief in the country. He added, "If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologize".

The Kantara series explores the traditions of coastal Karnataka, blending folklore, spirit possession rituals, and divine belief systems. Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel released in October 2025, delves deeper into the origin of Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva and the conflict between tribals and a tyrannical king in pre-colonial Karnataka. Both Kantara (2022) and Kantara: Chapter 1 rank among the highest-grossing Kannada films.

Shetty's statement comes at a time when Kantara: Chapter 1 continues to perform well at the box office. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh is currently enjoying the success of his latest release, Dhurandhar.

However, some netizens have criticized Shetty, pointing out what they see as hypocrisy, noting that he has also profited from portraying Daivas in his films.

The incident has ignited a wider conversation about cultural representation, sensitivity, and the potential for misinterpretation when sacred traditions are brought into mainstream entertainment.