Mysuru: In a big disappointment for film buffs, the state govt has cancelled Dasara film festival this year. Govt cancelled the event citing poor public response coupled with financial constraints as the reason for cancelling the festival.The decision to cancel the film festival also drew flak from various cultural associations, which alleged that govt cancelled the festival to divert the funds to organise kambala, for which Rs 8 crore is planned to be spent.Various veteran film personalities, including Kannada film director SV Rajendra Singh Babu, have lodged a protest against the district administration’s decision to cancel the film festival, highlighting that such measures demotivate film personalities, artistes and cine buffs when state govt is establishing a film city at Immavu industrial area near Mysuru for the promotion of Kannada film production.They urged govt to reconsider its decision. They also blamed govt for stopping involvement of experts, Kannada directors and artistes in Dasara film festival subcommittee for the last few years in the selection of films for screening during the festival.Deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy said that state govt has cancelled the festival owing to poor response from the public after collecting data on audiences over the last five years. “People were not coming forward to watch films even when they were screened in multiplexes, which cost Rs 40 to Rs 45 lakh every year. In some theatres, only three to five people watched the movies during the festival,” he said.Around Rs 40 to 50 lakh is spent to hold the film festival. In 2025 Dasara, the film festival sub-committee screened 17 movies in the world cinema category, 25 in the Indian film category, 18 Kannada movies and nine award-winning movies directed by women and children.Every year govt also selected the best films for the film festival and encouraged budding artistes and directors involved in film production activities, but shelving the festival this year has discouraged them.“Dropping the festival this year has really upset individuals involved in film and theatre production activities, especially those involved in short film production, and discouraged them from continuing in film production as film not only educates, entertains and spreads awareness among people but also builds bridges between different cultures,” said Manu, Rangayana Bahuroopi Film Festival organiser.
