Ranveer Singh has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash a criminal case filed against him over remarks and an imitation related to the daiva portrayal in the film Kantara. The case was registered after certain groups objected to his comments, alleging that they were inappropriate and hurt religious sentiments.
In a petition submitted before a bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, the actor has argued that his statements were made purely out of admiration for the film and its lead actor, Rishab Shetty. According to Singh’s legal team, the remarks have been taken out of context and given a criminal colour without justification. The petition emphasizes that there was no intent to insult, mock, or disrespect the cultural or religious elements depicted in the film.
The controversy reportedly arose after Singh publicly imitated aspects of the daiva performance portrayed in Kantara. While some viewers interpreted the imitation as appreciation of the film’s artistry, others claimed it was insensitive toward the ritualistic traditions represented onscreen. Based on these objections, a complaint was filed, leading to the registration of a criminal case.
Singh’s counsel has maintained that the actor’s comments were rooted in praise for the cinematic achievement of Kantara, which was widely celebrated for its depiction of coastal Karnataka’s folklore and spiritual practices. The plea also states that the police have already issued two notices to Singh in connection with the matter, which his legal team described as creating undue pressure and inconvenience.
During the initial hearing, Singh’s lawyers requested that the matter be listed urgently and taken up for immediate consideration. However, Justice Nagaprasanna questioned the need for special urgency. The court reportedly observed that the legal system must treat all petitioners equally, regardless of their fame or public profile. The judge is said to have remarked whether such urgency would have been sought or granted if the applicant were not a Bollywood celebrity, or even if he were a Hollywood star.
The High Court declined to grant a same-day hearing and instead chose to follow its regular listing procedure. The matter has now been scheduled for hearing on Tuesday. The court’s response underscored the principle that celebrity status does not warrant preferential treatment in judicial proceedings.
The case has generated significant public interest, partly due to Singh’s high-profile stature and partly because of the cultural importance of Kantara. Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, the film received widespread acclaim for authentically portraying local traditions and ritualistic performances associated with the daiva practice. It emerged as both a commercial success and a critical favourite, earning praise for its storytelling and performances.
Given the deep cultural roots of the subject matter, any perceived misrepresentation can evoke strong reactions. However, Singh’s petition argues that artistic appreciation should not be misconstrued as criminal conduct. His legal team contends that even if the allegations in the complaint are taken at face value, they do not constitute a criminal offence under the law.
Legal experts note that when courts examine petitions seeking quashing of criminal proceedings, they assess whether the essential ingredients of an alleged offence are present. If the court finds that the complaint lacks sufficient legal basis, it may exercise its inherent powers to set aside the case.
For now, Singh awaits the scheduled hearing, where the High Court will evaluate his plea in detail. The outcome will determine whether the criminal proceedings continue or are dismissed. As the legal process unfolds, the case continues to fuel discussions about artistic freedom, cultural sensitivity, and the limits of public expression in contemporary India.