High Court refused to hear

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has suffered a major setback in the controversy related to ‘Kantara’. The Karnataka High Court on Monday (23 February 2026) refused to hear his petition urgently. Ranveer had appealed to cancel the FIR registered against him, but the court refused to give him special treatment. Now the hearing of this case will be held on Tuesday (24 February).

Controversy of imitating God

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 off his expressions and movements in excitement, but many considered it a mockery of the sacred Chavundi Daiva or Panjurli/Guliga Daiva tradition of the coastal regions of Karnataka. Some considered it derogatory by calling it a ‘ghost’, leading to accusations of hurting Hindu religious sentiments.

Ranveer Singh’s petition in court

In January 2026, an FIR was registered at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru on the complaint of an advocate, Prashant Methal. A case was registered under sections 196, 299 and 302 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS). Ranveer is accused of insulting religious traditions. The police had also issued two notices.

Ranveer filed a petition in the High Court saying that his words were only praise for Rishabh Shetty’s performance. He said it was wrongly given a criminal colour. The petition said that he is under unnecessary pressure and is troubled by the police notice. A bench of Justice M. Nagaprasanna heard the petition, but refused to hear it immediately. The court said that because he is a Bollywood actor, he cannot get special treatment. The matter will proceed through normal procedure.

Reaction of Ranveer’s fans

Ranveer’s fans consider it a part of his energy and enthusiasm, but in Karnataka, Daiva Puja is given a lot of respect. This tradition is an important part of the local culture. Ranveer has given clarification in such controversies earlier also, but this time the legal difficulties have increased. It will be interesting to see what decision comes in tomorrow’s hearing.