Rashmika Mandanna’s Team Denies Claims of Skipping Bengaluru Film Fest, MLA Vows to Share Proof

Actress Rashmika Mandanna has found herself embroiled in controversy over allegations that she refused to attend the Bengaluru International Film Festival and disregarded the Kannada language. However, a source close to the actress has strongly refuted these claims, labeling them as "completely false."

The controversy began after Karnataka Congress MLA Ravi Ganiga accused Rashmika of repeatedly declining invitations to the festival.

MLA's Allegations Against Rashmika

Speaking to media, Ganiga claimed, ""Rashmika Mandanna, who began her career with the Kannada film 'Kirik Party,' declined to attend last year's Bengaluru International Film Festival, despite receiving several invitations. She purportedly stated, 'I have my house in Hyderabad, I don't know where Karnataka is, and I don't have time.' One of our legislative associates visited her home 10 to 12 times to extend the invitation, but she continued to refuse and seemingly ignored her Kannada roots, even though she gained fame in this industry. Shouldn't we consider holding her accountable?"

The MLA even suggested that the government should consider withdrawing subsidies granted to Rashmika's films in response to her alleged behavior.

Rashmika's Team Refutes Allegations

Amid growing backlash, Rashmika's team has categorically denied the claims.

As reported by News 24, a source close to the actress clarified, "The claims that Rashmika refused to attend the Bengaluru film festival or made disparaging remarks about the state are entirely unfounded. There is no truth to these allegations."

The source went on to explain, "The statements allegedly made by Rashmika, along with the narrative of someone reaching out to her and her refusal to attend the festival, are incorrect. We're issuing this statement to correct the record and eliminate any misinformation."

MLA Stands Firm, Promises Proof

Despite Rashmika's team denying the allegations, MLA Ravi Ganiga has insisted he has evidence to back his claims.

On March 4, he said, "This is not Rashmika's personal statement, but one from her team. We will release documentary proof showing that she was invited to the festival and declined.

Bengaluru | On actor Rashmika Mandanna, Karnataka Congress MLA Ravikumar Gowda says, " It is not Rashmikas statement but Rashmikas teams statement. We will release the document (proof) publicly that we had invited Rashmika to the film festival (Bengaluru Film Festival) but she… pic.twitter.com/pVX3YjTyWl

— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2025

The controversy comes just days after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed disappointment over the poor attendance of Kannada film industry members at the festival's inauguration on March 1. Shivakumar questioned the absence of actors, directors, and producers, emphasizing the event's importance to the industry.

Adding to the backlash, Rashmika recently faced criticism from pro-Kannada groups after a statement at an event where she referred to herself as being from Hyderabad. Many netizens pointed out that she started her career in the Kannada film industry and accused her of disregarding her roots.

As of now, Rashmika Mandanna, who has gained national recognition with films in Telugu and Hindi, has not personally responded to MLA Ravi Ganiga's accusations.