Ranveer Singh’s ‘Kantara’ Faux Pas: A Calculated ‘Dhurandhar’ PR Masterclass or Just Messy? We Have Thoughts!
- Kenneth Hopkins
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Okay, put your phone on DND and grab the popcorn because the tea from Goa is piping hot. We thought the IFFI 2025 closing ceremony would be a wholesome wrap-up, but Ranveer Singh decided to wake up and choose chaos. The internet is absolutely screaming right now, and for once, the "Energy King" might have taken it a step too far. From awkward mimicry to a major cultural oopsie, here is everything that went down with Rishab Shetty and why Twitter is trying to cancel our fave.
The Scene That Sparked the Fire
So, picture this: It’s the closing ceremony of IFFI 2025 in Goa. Ranveer and Rishab Shetty are on stage. Ranveer, being his usual high-octane self, starts hyping up Kantara: Chapter 1. He calls Rishab’s performance "outstanding" which, facts. But then, he decides to demonstrate his appreciation. Ranveer didn't just praise the movie; he physically acted out the intense, sacred climax sequence. We’re talking crossing his eyes, sticking his tongue out, and mimicking the possession scene right in front of Rishab. He even jokingly auditioned for "Kantara 3," telling the crowd to "tell this guy" to cast him. It was... a lot.

The "Ghost" Comment That Has Everyone Shook 👻
Here is where the vibe check failed. In his excitement, Ranveer referred to the Daiva/Chamundi as a “female ghost.”
Cue the record scratch. 🛑
For those who don't know, in the traditions of Tulunadu, the Daiva is a revered deity/spirit, not a ghost. It’s sacred. It’s religious. It’s not a jump-scare from a horror movie. Fans from coastal Karnataka are rightly upset, accusing Ranveer of trivializing Daivaradhane (spirit worship) and turning a deep cultural ritual into a gag for applause.

Read the Room, Ranveer?
The awkwardness didn't stop there. Reports are flying around that Rishab Shetty had actually asked Ranveer off-stage not to do the mimicry. Yet, Ranveer went full "Main Character" and did a more elaborate version on stage anyway. While Rishab was seen smiling and laughing through the act (because what else do you do on live TV?), the internet isn’t buying it. People are calling it "unnecessary," "insensitive," and a classic case of Bollywood not understanding regional nuances.
Is This 4D Chess for ‘Dhurandhar’? ♟️
Now, let’s circle back to our theory. Ranveer is smart. He knows how the algorithm works. With his massive movie Dhurandhar coming up and his brand SuperYou needing visibility, was this "slip of the tongue" actually a calculated move to hijack the news cycle?
The industry has been mourning the loss of legends recently, and the news has been heavy. By creating a controversy that forces everyone to debate him, Ranveer has ensured his name is trending at #1. It’s messy, it’s risky, but it’s keeping him relevant. Is it a PR masterclass or just a genuine fumble? The jury is still out, but we are definitely talking about him.

The TL;DR
For the skimmers, here is the controversy in a nutshell:
The Event: IFFI 2025 Closing Ceremony, Goa.
The Act: Ranveer mimicked the Kantara possession scene (eyes crossed, tongue out).
The Faux Pas: He referred to the sacred Daiva as a "female ghost."
The Backlash: Accusations of mocking Tulunadu culture and religious sentiments.
The Rumor: Rishab Shetty allegedly asked him not to do it beforehand.
The Bigger Picture: Likely a strategy to keep buzz high for his upcoming film Dhurandhar.
Fans Also Asked (FAQs)
What exactly did Ranveer Singh say about Kantara at IFFI 2025?
Ranveer praised Rishab Shetty’s performance but controversially referred to the Daiva (deity) in the film as a "female ghost" while mimicking the possession scene on stage.
Why are people angry at Ranveer Singh for his Kantara act?
Fans feel he disrespected the culture of Tulunadu by calling the sacred Daiva a "ghost" and mocking a serious religious ritual (Daivaradhane) for entertainment value.
Did Rishab Shetty approve of Ranveer's mimicry?
While Rishab laughed on stage, reports suggest he had earlier requested Ranveer not to mimic the Daiva act, making the on-stage moment potentially awkward and disrespectful.
Is this controversy a PR stunt for his movie Dhurandhar?
Many insiders speculate that Ranveer is leveraging this controversy to dominate the news cycle and generate hype for his upcoming release, Dhurandhar, and his brand SuperYou.





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