'Given Criminal Colour': Ranveer Singh Petitions To Dismiss FIR Over 'Kantara' Comments

2026-02-24 04:14:00

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash a private complaint and the FIR registered against him over allegations that he insulted the sacred Daiva tradition and a deity referenced in Kantara: Chapter 1.

The criminal application, filed before the High Court of Karnataka, challenges the complaint pending before a city Magistrate's Court and the FIR registered by the High Grounds Police Station. The respondents in the matter include the High Grounds police and the private complainant, Advocate Prashanth Methal.

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On Monday, February 23, Singh's legal team appeared before the bench of Justice M. Nagaprasanna, seeking an urgent hearing of the petition. During submissions, his counsel stated that Singh had praised actor Rishab Shetty for his performance in Kantara: Chapter 1 and that his remarks had been distorted and given a "criminal colour."

When the complainant's counsel requested that the matter be taken up urgently on Monday afternoon, the bench questioned the grounds for urgency. "Why should an urgent hearing be held? Is it because the petitioners are Bollywood actors? If they are from Hollywood, should the hearing be held now?" the court asked.

Singh's lawyer informed the court that the police had already issued two notices to the actor following registration of the FIR, necessitating an urgent hearing. Taking note of the submission, the bench agreed to hear the petition on Tuesday.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Singh at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last year. While praising Shetty's performance, Singh said, "I saw that in the theatres, Rishab, it was an outstanding performance, especially when the female ghost gets inside your body, that one shot..."

According to Methal, he first approached the High Grounds Police Station on December 3, 2025, but no FIR was registered at that time. He subsequently submitted complaints to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Division, and the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City. After receiving no response, he filed a private complaint in a competent court under Section 223.

Methal stated that the complaint cites offences under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), describing them as cognisable and punishable offences carrying up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

"It's a cognisable and punishable offence, with up to 3 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both. On January 28, 2026, the court ordered an investigation under section 175, clause 3, and issued a direction to the High Grounds Police Inspector. Under Section 175 (3), the police are legally bound to register an FIR before commencing the investigation," he said.

In his complaint, Prashanth Methal asserted that Ranveer Singh "allegedly performed acts that insulted and mocked the sacred Daiva tradition."

On January 28, 2026, the Magistrate's Court ordered an investigation under Section 175(3) of the BNS and directed the High Grounds Police Inspector to act. Under this provision, police are required to register an FIR before commencing an investigation.

Following the court's direction, the High Grounds Police registered the FIR and issued notice to Singh.

Videos from the IFFI event had gone viral on social media, with some users terming Singh's imitation of Shetty's character disrespectful. The actor later issued an apology.

The High Court is scheduled to hear Singh's plea on Tuesday.