Bollywood star Ranveer Singh is set to release his upcoming film, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, on March 19, 2026. However, ahead of the film’s release, he is facing legal trouble after an FIR was filed against him for mimicking Rishab Shetty’s portrayal of Chamundi Devi from Kantara 2 during the International Film Festival of India. The act reportedly hurt the sentiments of several Kannadigas and sparked controversy. Though Ranveer later apologised, the matter has now reached the Karnataka High Court.
The FIR was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after a complaint alleged that his mimicry disrespected religious sentiments associated with the revered character from the Kantara franchise. The case has since drawn attention within the film industry as well as among audiences in Karnataka.
On February 23, 2026, Ranveer approached the High Court seeking to quash the FIR. His legal team argued that the performance was taken out of context and that there was no intention to insult any belief or community. They contended that initiating criminal proceedings in the matter is unnecessary and unwarranted.
The High Court declined to grant an urgent hearing and listed the matter for further consideration. The bench observed that celebrity status does not warrant special treatment. The next hearing is scheduled for February 24, 2026, when the court will decide whether the case should proceed.