Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sparked controversy with his remarks criticising the Kannada film industry’s absence from the inauguration of the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) 2025. Speaking at the event, he expressed frustration over the low turnout from the film fraternity and said that he knew where to “tighten the nuts and bolts” to ensure cooperation from the industry.
Shivakumar addressed members of the Kannada film industry directly, urging them to take his words as either a “warning or a request.” He questioned the relevance of the festival if major figures in the industry did not participate. “Going forward, I want the Film Chamber and Academy members to take this as either a warning or a request. This is not my program; it's your program. Bhima Jewellery, the sponsor, is sitting right there. Does only a handful of 20 people require this cinema?” he asked.
He said that without state support, the industry could face hurdles. “If the government does not grant permission for shooting, they cannot make a film. They cannot proceed with shooting. I also know exactly where to tighten the nuts and bolts, please understand that,” he added.
Shivakumar was also critical of the industry's lack of participation in the Mekedatu padayatra, a Congress-led movement advocating for the construction of a balancing reservoir in Kanakapura taluk to address Bengaluru’s drinking water crisis. “We organised a padayatra under the banner ‘Namma Neeru, Namma Hakku’ (Our Water, Our Right) to ensure water supply for Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah, myself, and others walked nearly 150 km during COVID. It was in the interest of the state, not for personal gain,” he said. He noted that only a handful of industry members, including actors Sadhu Kokila and Vijay, had supported the movement. “Actors and others use people and then discard them, but they should not think that way,” he added.
Shivakumar’s remarks were met with sharp criticism from opposition parties, with BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) leaders condemning what they described as a threatening tone towards the film industry. Leader of Opposition R Ashok mocked Shivakumar’s statement about “tightening the nuts and bolts,” suggesting that he should focus on handling rebellion within his own party rather than taking out his frustration on the film industry. “This culture of threats is dangerous to democracy. Cinema actors are not your slaves. Their films have not succeeded because of your blessing,” Ashok said. He further stated, “Does he think artists are slaves of the Congress party? We are missing someone like Ambareesh. Had he been alive, he would have given an apt reply to Shivakumar.”
In a post on 'X', Ashoka further wrote, "It is up to the artists to decide whether or not to participate in the Congress party's political march. Your statement that only those who abide by the Congress party will get recognition, while others will not, demeans your position."
He urged Shivakumar to abandon the belief that everyone in society must bow to him and his party. "Artists are not anyone's property. They have the right and freedom to associate with whomever they choose. They are not Congress party workers, so don't treat them like party members. Learn to respect artists," he added.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also hit out at the Deputy CM, saying, “Let him understand that voters also know how to tighten the nuts and bolts of anyone who crosses the line. Perhaps, power has got into his head. That is why he may be making such remarks.” He added that the Mekedatu padayatra was a political event organized by Congress and questioned why film industry members should be expected to participate in a party-led movement. “If you had taken out an apolitical rally, everyone from the film industry would have joined,” BJP MLA Munirathna, a former president of the Kannada film producers’ union, said.
Actor and BJP MP Jaggesh pointed out that many members of the film fraternity had received invitations for the festival’s inauguration at the last minute, making it difficult for them to attend. “Most actors received invitations for the inauguration of BIFFes just an hour before the ceremony. How can anyone expect them to take part?” he wrote on X. In another post, he advised Shivakumar to be more mindful of his words. “Shivakumar sir, the way you have spoken is not right. Many actors were at the semi-finals of the celebrity cricket league in Mysuru. No actor goes to the homes of politicians, but politicians go to actors’ homes during elections. Kindly speak in a manner that hurts nobody, as every actor has a sizable fan following,” he stated.