The 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival has become controversial after Deputy CM DK Shivakumar expressed anger over the absence of film celebrities at the event, which started on March 1. Recently, Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga from Mandya criticized National Crush Rashmika Mandanna for refusing to attend the festival. He accused Rashmika of neglecting the Kannada film industry, despite starting her career with the Kannada movie Kirik Party. He claimed that even last year, Rashmika was invited to the festival, but she refused to attend.

MLA Ravi Ganiga revealed that one of his friends visited Rashmika’s house 10 to 12 times to invite her, but she declined, citing her residence in Hyderabad and lack of time. He expressed disappointment that Rashmika had forgotten the Kannada industry and disrespected the language. He questioned whether they should teach her a lesson for ignoring Kannada. Meanwhile, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, while inaugurating the festival, criticized the film industry for not showing support. He stated that the government is willing to provide subsidies and facilities for theatres and productions, but actors must also contribute by attending such events.

Regarding Rashmika’s career, she debuted in the Kannada industry with Kirik Party alongside Rakshit Shetty, with whom she was briefly engaged before their breakup. Later, she transitioned to Tollywood and gained fame with films like Chalo, Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, Sarileru Neekevvaru, Bheeshma, and Pushpa 1 & 2.

Bengaluru | Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga says, "Rashmika Mandanna, who started her career with the Kannada movie Kirik Party in Karnataka, refused to attend the International Film Festival last year when we invited her. She said, 'I have my house in Hyderabad, I don’t know… pic.twitter.com/uftmWfrMZ6

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025