Ranveer Singh gets a shock from the High Court in Kantara controversy, know what will be the new challenges

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has received a serious setback in a controversy related to ‘Kantara’. The Karnataka High Court on Monday (23 February 2026) refused to hear his petition immediately. Ranveer had expressed his desire to cancel the FIR registered against him, but the court ignored it. Now the next hearing of this case will be on Tuesday (24 February).

Verbal display on Daiva created controversy

This case is related to the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa last year in November 2025. Ranveer had copied the famous ‘Daiva’ scene from Rishabh Shetty’s film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ there. He showed over-excitement during his performance, but many considered it an insult to the sacred ‘Chavundi Daiva’ or ‘Panjurali/Guliga Daiva’ tradition of the coastal areas of Karnataka. Some viewers viewed it negatively by calling it a ‘ghost’, leading to allegations of hurting Hindu religious sentiments.

New challenge to Ranveer Singh from court

In January 2026, a complaint was filed by Prashant Methal, a lawyer, at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru, leading to an FIR against Ranveer. In this, action was taken under sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS). The allegation against him is that he has insulted religious tradition. Police have also issued two notices in this matter.

Ranveer filed a petition in the High Court saying that his words were only meant to praise Rishabh Shetty’s performance. He said it was wrongly given a criminal colour. The petition also said that they are under unnecessary mental pressure and are troubled by the police notice. A bench of Justice M. Nagaprasanna heard his plea, but refused to hear it urgently. The court said that being a Bollywood actor, he cannot be given special treatment. It was decided to conduct the case as per normal procedure.

Although Ranveer’s fans consider it a part of his energy and enthusiasm, Daiva Puja is highly respected in Karnataka. This tradition is an essential part of the local culture. Ranveer has given clarification in such controversies earlier also, but this time the legal troubles have increased. It is expected that all eyes will remain on till Monday to know what decision will be taken in the hearing.