Rashmika Mandanna Row: BJP, Kodava Groups Defend Actress Amid Congress MLA’s ‘Veiled Threat’

Last Updated:March 10, 2025, 19:19 IST

While the actress has not made a direct statement on the controversy, those in the industry argue that attending an event is the prerogative of the artist, and no organisation or government can compel participation—let alone resort to threats

Mandanna previously sparked controversy when she referred to Hyderabad as her home during a pre-release event for her film 'Chhaava'.

Actress Rashmika Mandanna has found herself back in the spotlight in Karnataka, with the Kodava community rallying behind her and BJP MLA Bharat Shetty stepping in to defend her against threats from Congress MLA Ravi Kumar Gowda.

The controversy erupted after Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga criticised the actress, questioning her absence from the Bengaluru Film Festival. “Shouldn’t we teach them a lesson?" he said, in what many perceived as a veiled threat. Ganiga accused Mandanna of disrespecting Karnataka and the Kannada language after her team allegedly declined the festival invitation.

Shetty hit back, calling Ganiga’s remarks a reflection of the “rowdy" elements within Congress. “Some in the Congress are trying to use Rashmika’s name for publicity. In this country, everyone has the right to decide whether to attend an event or not. It is unacceptable for politicians to issue threats like this in public. Those responsible for ensuring safety are instead making threats—this is completely wrong," he said.

The Kodava rights organisation, Codava Council (CNC), has written to the Karnataka home minister as well as the Union Home Ministry, demanding protection for Mandanna, whom they say is being unfairly targeted. They have also urged the state and central governments to ensure her safety, warning that they may approach the state and national women’s commissions if the issue escalates.

While the actress has not made a direct statement on the controversy, those in the industry argue that attending an event is the prerogative of the artist, and no organisation or government can compel participation—let alone resort to threats.

Mandanna previously sparked controversy when she referred to Hyderabad as her home during a pre-release event for her film Chhaava. In a viral clip, she told the audience that she hoped to be part of their family as someone from Hyderabad. This statement angered pro-Kannada groups and fans, who accused her of distancing herself from her roots in Karnataka.

Mandanna made her cinematic debut with the 2016 Kannada film Kirik Party opposite Rakshit Shetty. While she has not publicly commented on the issue, the speculation has further fuelled tensions between the industry and the state government.

Meanwhile, the controversy has spilled over into the broader conflict between the Karnataka government and the Kannada film industry. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s warning to Sandalwood over the poor turnout at the festival has only added fuel to the fire. His “nut and bolt" remark, widely seen as a direct threat, has left the industry fuming.

“If the government does not provide support and permissions, filmmaking cannot happen. I, too, know where to tighten the nuts and bolts and whom to approach. Keep that in mind," he said.

However, several actors from the industry told News18 that the tone and tenor of his comment were not only unsavoury but also smacked of political crudeness. The remarks have triggered a sharp backlash, with industry figures criticising the Deputy CM’s attempt to “strong-arm" the fraternity into political compliance.

“The tone is unacceptable. We work in the industry and have a standing. The situation may need to be addressed, but the use of language—tightening nuts and bolts—is outrageous," Kannada actor Neethu Shetty told News18.

Many senior actors, directors, and technicians pointed out that they had not been invited to the event and questioned the basis of the minister’s remarks.

Award-winning filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli said he was not invited, despite his film Ghatashraddha being screened at the festival. “When the industry itself isn’t valued at its own festival, what message does this send?" he asked.

Actor-director Kavita Lankesh told News18 that despite her father P. Lankesh’s film Pallavi being screened at the festival, neither her family nor her mother, Indira Lankesh, who produced the film, was invited.

“Even the documentary on Gauri Lankesh (the slain journalist and my sister) has won two international awards, including the ‘Best Human Rights Film’ award at the Toronto Women’s Film Festival 2022, yet nobody asked me if it could be screened. Gauri’s life stood for the very theme of the festival—Sarvajanangada Shantiya Thota (Tranquil Garden of Diverse People). Yet, we were not invited," Lankesh said.

Veteran filmmaker T.S. Nagabharana condemned Shivakumar’s choice of words, calling them “inappropriate" and reflective of his political culture. He also criticised the event’s poor planning, saying, “Earlier, we personally visited people’s homes or called them well in advance. Now, if invitations are sent at the last minute, how can you expect a full turnout?"

Rajya Sabha MP and Kannada actor Jaggesh was more direct, revealing that invitations for the festival were sent just an hour before the event. “The festival inauguration was at 7 pm, and we got the invitation at 6 pm. Moreover, there is no unity, no conversations, and the film artists’ association has vanished. For an industry inching towards death and missing the bolt, it is no use trying to tighten (fix) it," he posted on X.

Shivakumar, in his speech, also accused Sandalwood of ignoring Congress-backed initiatives, particularly the Mekedatu project, when it needed support from all quarters.

“We organised a 150-km padayatra under the banner Namma Neeru, Namma Hakku (Our Water, Our Right) to ensure drinking water for Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah, myself, and others walked during COVID. It was in the interest of the state, not for personal gain. But except for actors Sadhu Kokila and (Duniya) Vijay, the Kannada film industry remained absent," he pointed out.

While the government’s attempt to control the film fraternity has angered many, actress and former MP Divya Spandana (Ramya) supported Shivakumar’s concerns, though not his language.

“What DK Shivakumar sir said is true; there is nothing wrong in what he said. As actors, we have a considerable impact on society. Look at what Dr Rajkumar did for our Kannada language—he stood up for the cause. Today, that kind of involvement is missing. We have a duty—it is our responsibility to stand up for our language, land, culture, and water," Ramya wrote on Instagram.

However, she also warned against coercion, saying, “Actors have become soft targets for politicians. I urge our leaders to refrain from issuing threats and bullying them."

Mandi MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut also hit out at Shivakumar, accusing him of bullying the film industry. She alleged that Congress has a long history of using coercion to control the arts and cinema.

Leader of Opposition R. Ashok also lashed out earlier, saying, “Does the Deputy CM think the film industry is Congress’ slave? If Ambareesh were alive today, he would have given Shivakumar a befitting reply."

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy took an indirect dig at the Congress leader, stating, “The people who gave Congress a mandate also know how to tighten the nuts and bolts of those who cross the line."

Amid mounting criticism, Shivakumar defended his remarks, claiming he was only speaking in the interest of the Kannada film industry.

“Perhaps my language was colloquial, but I meant no harm. I am part of this industry—I used to run touring talkies in Indira Gandhi’s name. Today, I own 23 screens in Bengaluru," he said.

He also revealed that the state government is in talks to bring the Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) to Bengaluru in an effort to position the city as a major hub for Indian cinema.

Karnataka, India, India

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