The South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) is facing a backlash from the Kannada film industry for ignoring it even though the event is happening in Bengaluru for the first time.

SIIMA awards are usually held abroad where only the winners and sponsors participate. This time, it was claimed that the awards will be held in Bengaluru, the home of Kannada film industry, in memory of Puneeth Rajkumar. 

But surprisingly, SIIMA organizers sent 25 passes to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) as a perfunctory measure and did not bother to engage the industry in any way. The Kannada Film Producers Association for example was not even informed as a courtesy, let alone its functionaries being invited. 

Even the Karnataka Government gives annual film awards. The entire industry is invited to participate. Private entertainment channels also hold film awards and the industry representative bodies like KFCC, KFPA, Artistes Association and Directors Association are invited. Even when journalists conduct awards functions like Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards, the film industry is represented from all wings. 

SIIMA however is aloof. The question that requires an answer is; When you are holding a function in the name of Puneeth Rajkumar, why are you ignoring the Kannada film industry. Puneeth Rajkumar was also a producer, mentor and a pillar of the Kannada Film Industry. When a private organisation is holding a function in his name, the least it can do is involve the Kannada film industry in it.