Ranveer Singh has expressed his readiness to present a revised affidavit of apology concerning his remarks about Chamundi Devi in the film Kantara. This was disclosed during proceedings at the Karnataka High Court on February 1, 2025, before Justice M. Nagaprasanna. The case has attracted considerable attention following Singh’s comments at a prestigious film festival.

Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Singh, informed the Court that the actor had initially submitted an affidavit demonstrating his regret. Poovayya indicated that Singh is amenable to revising the existing affidavit if the need arises. The original document purportedly noted that Singh was unaware that his words could offend devotees of the deity.

In the affidavit, Singh reiterated his respect for various faiths and traditions. The actor conveyed his “deepest regret and unconditional apology” and expressed a commitment to visit the temple dedicated to Chamundi Devi to offer his prayers. The counsel highlighted that Singh was raised in a Sindhi household in Mumbai, stating that he did not fully grasp the sensitivities surrounding the comments at the time of their delivery.

Complainant Questions Authenticity of Apology

Prashanth Methal, the complainant in the case, contested the authenticity of Singh’s apology. He argued before the Court that the affidavit did not adequately reflect genuine remorse from the actor. Methal pointed out that Singh had been previously advised by filmmaker Rishab Shetty to refrain from making controversial comments. Following this, he requested the Court to mandate the submission of a more sincere affidavit.

In response to the complainant’s claims, Poovayya affirmed his willingness to discuss the phrasing of the apology, suggesting a collaborative effort to produce an improved affidavit. Justice Nagaprasanna acknowledged Poovayya’s statement and adjourned the proceedings to April 23, 2025.

The interaction highlights ongoing tension between maintaining personal expression in the arts and the sensitivities tied to religious beliefs in Indian society.

Controversy Arising from Remarks at IFFI Goa

The ongoing case stems from remarks made by Singh during his address at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. While praising Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara, Singh referred to Chamundi Devi as a “female ghost,” which he accompanied with a mimicked scene from the film. These comments sparked widespread criticism on social media platforms and led to significant public outcry.

As a result of the backlash, a magistrate in Bengaluru initiated an investigation under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Following the directive, the High Grounds Police Station filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Singh, citing sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to promoting religious enmity, causing religious insult, and engaging in public mischief.

Subsequently, Singh directly approached the High Court, asserting that his remarks had been misinterpreted and were intended solely to celebrate Shetty’s artistic contribution. He maintained that there was no intention to offend religious sentiments or provoke discord amongst different communities.

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