Ranveer Singh’s ‘Chavundi Daiva’ Comment Stirs Up Controversy, Tulu Community Calls for Apology
Bengaluru: A remark made by Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has sparked significant controversy, angering the Tulu-speaking community in Karnataka.
The incident occurred during the closing ceremony of the festival in Panaji on November 28, where Singh referred to ‘Chavundi Daiva,’ a revered deity in Tulu Nadu, as a “ghost” or “devil” in the prequel of the movie Kantara. The comment has not only enraged Tulu Nadu residents but also led to widespread calls for an apology from the actor.
In his statement, Singh allegedly referred to the character of Chavundi Daiva as a “ghost,” a term that holds little respect in the context of Tulu Nadu’s spiritual practices. For the Tulu community, Chavundi Daiva is a sacred entity, an essential part of their culture, and a significant figure in the region’s folk traditions.
Singh’s casual dismissal of the deity as a mere “ghost” has caused deep offense among many in the community, who view the comment as an insult to their longstanding religious practices.
The backlash was swift, with many social media users condemning the actor for disrespecting local traditions and calling for him to apologize. Social media campaigns have erupted under the hashtags #BoycottDhurandhar and #BoycottRanveerSingh, urging people to boycott his upcoming film Dhurrandhar.
A user wrote, “I was looking forward to watching Dhurrandhar, but now I’ll boycott it. Rishab Shetty should take a stand on this issue,” referring to the director of Kantara and the cultural significance of the film.
Another angry user posted, “Chavundi Daiva is not just any Halloween ghost. It’s a revered deity in Tulu Nadu. Ranveer, you mocked sacred beliefs. This isn’t entertainment—it’s a direct insult to our culture.” The uproar has now spilled beyond social media platforms, with a growing number of people urging Singh to issue a public apology.
The incident has created a ripple effect, casting a shadow over Singh’s upcoming release Dhurrandhar, a film that also stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun. As the movie is scheduled to hit theaters on December 5, the controversy has complicated its promotion, with some even calling for a boycott of the film altogether.
The Tulu community’s demand for an apology has only intensified as they feel their cultural and religious sentiments have been disregarded. Many have taken to social media to voice their discontent, urging Ranveer Singh to reflect on the importance of respecting local traditions and spiritual beliefs.
In response to the controversy, members of the Tulu community have also called for broader awareness about the significance of Chavundi Daiva, emphasizing that it is not merely a cultural symbol but a central figure in the spiritual life of the people in Tulu Nadu.
“This is about more than just one actor’s thoughtless remark; it is about respecting the faith and traditions of a community that has long been marginalized in the broader cultural discourse,” said one Tulu Nadu activist.
The growing anger over this incident has forced many to reconsider the responsibility of public figures like Ranveer Singh to be sensitive to the cultural diversity of the country. As more voices join the call for an apology, the impact of this controversy on Singh’s career remains to be seen.
