Thu Jan 02 14:08:40 UTC 2025: ## Mangaluru Film Festival Launches, Plans for International Expansion
**Mangaluru, January 2, 2025** – The Karavali Utsava Film Festival opened in Mangaluru today, with plans already underway to expand it into an international event next year. The festival, a first for the Utsava, was inaugurated by renowned music director Gurukiran in the presence of Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan and other dignitaries.
DC Muhilan highlighted the significant contributions of coastal Karnataka to Indian cinema and the region’s rich cultural tapestry reflected in films across multiple languages, including Hindi, Kannada, Tulu, Beary, and Konkani. He stated the administration’s intention to broaden the festival’s scope to showcase a wider array of films for both locals and tourists.
Gurukiran, in his inaugural address, emphasized the deep-rooted connection between cinema and the coastal region’s culture, emphasizing the importance of art and its role in societal development. Mangaluru Mayor Manoj Kumar echoed this sentiment, noting the consistent support for quality cinema in the region.
The festival, held at Bharat Cinemas, features a diverse lineup of Kannada and Konkani films throughout its run. Today’s screenings included the Kannada film *Saramsha*, followed by *Tarpana* (Konkani), *Shuddhi* (Kannada), *Kubi Matthu Iyala* (Kannada), and *Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana* (Kannada), which was filmed in Mangaluru. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
First Piper 