Ranveer Singh Faces Social Media Backlash Over Kantara Act Imitation

Description :

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh comes under fire for imitating Rishab Shetty’s iconic scene from ‘Kantara’, sparking social media trolling and debates on respect for original performances.

Published: 30 November 2025 | 11:05 PM IST (GMT+05:30, India)
Published By: Mr. Dibakar Mandal

INTRODUCTION

Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh recently found himself at the center of a social media storm after imitating a memorable scene from the hit Kannada film ‘Kantara’, originally performed by actor Rishab Shetty. The video clip, shared during a promotional event, quickly went viral, attracting both amusement and criticism from netizens.

While some fans found the mimicry entertaining, a significant portion of social media users accused Ranveer of being insensitive toward the original performance and cultural nuances depicted in ‘Kantara’. The backlash highlights the fine line celebrities walk between homage and perceived disrespect when engaging with popular regional cinema (BBC Entertainment).

BACKGROUND ON ‘KANTARA’ AND RISHAB SHETTY

Released in 2022, ‘Kantara’ became a critical and commercial success, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of coastal Karnataka’s folklore, traditions, and unique martial art forms. Rishab Shetty, the lead actor and co-writer, was widely praised for his gritty performance and cultural representation, which resonated strongly with regional and national audiences.

• Box office success: Kantara earned impressive revenues both in India and overseas.
• Cultural impact: The film sparked widespread appreciation for Karnataka’s traditions and folk arts.
• Critical acclaim: Shetty’s performance was lauded for depth, authenticity, and connection to local heritage (Reuters Entertainment).

Ranveer Singh’s attempt to replicate Shetty’s iconic scene, particularly its stylized expressions and body language, drew comparisons and criticism, with netizens arguing that the imitation did not capture the original’s intensity.

SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSE

The clip of Ranveer’s act quickly circulated on platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, leading to:

• Trolling and memes: Users mocked the performance for being exaggerated.
• Debates on cultural sensitivity: Many argued Bollywood actors must respect regional cinema achievements.
• Supportive voices: Some fans defended Ranveer, saying the imitation was meant as a fun tribute, not mockery (UNICEF Media).

Hashtags such as #RanveerKantara and #RespectOriginal began trending, reflecting a divide between fans of mainstream Bollywood and regional cinema enthusiasts.

EXPERT OPINIONS ON CELEBRITY TRIBUTES

Media analysts emphasize that tributes to regional hits require careful handling:

• Context matters: Understanding the cultural and artistic value of the original is crucial.
• Intent vs. perception: Even well-intended gestures can be misinterpreted if performed without sensitivity.
• Social media amplification: Viral clips can magnify small mistakes, turning minor mimicry into widespread controversy (UNESCO Culture).

In this case, Ranveer’s expressive style, though characteristic of his personality, may have clashed with Kantara’s grounded and culturally rooted performance.

RANVEER SINGH’S RESPONSE

As of now, Ranveer Singh has not issued a public statement addressing the backlash. Sources close to the actor suggest he did not anticipate the negative reaction and viewed the act as a lighthearted homage rather than disrespect.

Industry insiders note that celebrities increasingly need to balance personal brand humor with regional sensitivities, especially when engaging with content that resonates deeply with specific communities.

IMPACT ON BOLLYWOOD-REGIONAL CINEMA RELATIONS

This incident underscores a broader conversation about Bollywood and regional cinema dynamics:

• Bollywood stars often draw inspiration from regional films, but must credit and respect original creators.
• Regional filmmakers are gaining national recognition, making their work a sensitive subject for mimicry or parody.
• The viral trolling demonstrates audience vigilance in protecting cultural narratives and authenticity.

Experts suggest that collaborations between Bollywood and regional cinema could reduce such conflicts, ensuring mutual respect and creative synergy.

CONCLUSION

The Ranveer Singh-Kantara episode serves as a lesson in celebrity conduct on social media. While mimicry and tributes can be entertaining, they carry responsibilities toward original creators, cultural representation, and audience perception.

As Indian cinema becomes increasingly interconnected across languages and regions, the event may spark more conversations about respectful homage, intellectual property, and cultural sensitivity. For now, the debate continues, highlighting the power of regional films like Kantara in shaping national cinema discourse.

FAQs

Q1: Why did Ranveer Singh face trolling for imitating Kantara?
A1: Netizens felt his imitation of Rishab Shetty’s iconic scene lacked cultural sensitivity and failed to capture the original intensity (BBC Entertainment).

Q2: What is Kantara about?
A2: Kantara is a 2022 Kannada film showcasing coastal Karnataka’s folklore, martial arts, and traditions, earning acclaim for Rishab Shetty’s authentic performance (Reuters Entertainment).

Q3: Did Ranveer Singh respond to the backlash?
A3: As of now, Ranveer has not publicly responded, though sources indicate he intended the act as a lighthearted tribute.

Q4: How has social media reacted?
A4: Fans created memes, debated cultural respect, and started trending hashtags like #RanveerKantara and #RespectOriginal (UNICEF Media).

Q5: What lesson does this incident offer Bollywood actors?
A5: Celebrities should balance personal humor with cultural sensitivity when referencing regional films to avoid misinterpretation (UNESCO Culture).

References:

• BBC Entertainment
• Reuters Entertainment
• UNICEF Media
• UNESCO Culture