‘I Know Where to Tighten the Nuts and Bolts’: DK Shivakumar Explodes Over Low Celebrity Turnout at Film Festival

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar lost his cool at the inauguration of the International Film Festival in Bengaluru, lashing out at the film industry. He voiced his disappointment over the low turnout from the Kannada film industry at the inauguration.

Addressing industry members at the event, he said, "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 further emphasized the government's control over film production, saying, "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."  

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also present at the event, announced plans to develop a world-class film city in Mysuru, with 150 acres of land already allocated for the project.  

"Karnataka is a land of immense opportunities. To further strengthen our film industry, we are developing a state-of-the-art film city in Mysuru. I hope this facility will encourage the production of world-class films that seamlessly blend human values with advanced technology," he said.  

He also cautioned against promoting superstitions and unconstitutional values in films, stating, “Cinema should be a tool for enlightenment, not regression.”