National Award-winning actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has reacted strongly to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s remarks about the Kannada film fraternity. Currently in Karnataka, Kangana has been visiting temples and attending religious events. After offering prayers at Sri Hosa Marigudi Temple in Kaup, she proceeded to Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple in Kateel.

Shivakumar expressed frustration over the Kannada film fraternity’s absence at the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival. More specifically, he voiced his disappointment over the absence of Kannada actors, filmmakers, and technicians at the inaugural event. He criticised the film fraternity and warned that he knew how to "tighten the nuts and bolts" of the industry. His statement has triggered a debate, with opinions divided between those supporting his stance and those calling his remarks unnecessary.

Kangana, too, had a pointed response. She said, “According to the sacred scriptures, even Indra, Arjuna, and many others have learnt the arts. God always protects artists. Maa Saraswati is the goddess of art, and if someone thinks they can tighten the nuts and bolts of artists, they must remember that Lord Vishnu incarnates to protect them—or someone will.”