Kannada cinema fans are celebrating a milestone as actor and producer Rakshit Shetty marked the 9th anniversary of his hit 2016 film Kirik Party. Taking to social media, Rakshit tweeted, "Years later, the warmth around Kirik Party still hasn’t faded. What truly keeps it alive is the audience’s love for the film. Grateful for that affection, always. Celebrating 9 beautiful years of Kirik Party." His heartfelt message quickly drew attention, amassing 28K views and over 2K likes shortly after posting on December 30, 2025.
Kirik Party, a youth-centric romantic comedy-drama, became a massive success upon its release, grossing over ₹50 crore and propelling co-star Rashmika Mandanna into the spotlight. Directed by Rishab Shetty, the film was produced under Paramvah Studios by Govind Sahai Guptha and Rakshit Shetty himself. The story, penned by Rakshit Shetty along with a writing team called The Seven Odds, captures the vibrant, chaotic, and heartfelt experiences of college life.
The film stars Rakshit Shetty alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Samyuktha Hegde, Achyuth Kumar, Aravinnd Iyer, Dhananjay Ranjan, Chandan Achar, and Pramod Shetty. Notably, it marks the acting debut of Rashmika Mandanna and Samyuktha Hegde. Principal photography began on April 17, 2016, at Malnad College of Engineering in Hassan and wrapped up in September 2016. The visuals, handled by cinematographer Karm Chawla and editor Sachin Ravi, complemented the film’s youthful vibe, while B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music became an instant hit.
Released worldwide on December 30, 2016, Kirik Party received widespread acclaim and became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time, running for an impressive 365 days in multiplexes. The film won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Family Entertainer and bagged several accolades at prestigious award ceremonies, including five Filmfare Awards South, five IIFA Utsavam awards, and seven SIIMA awards. Its success also led to a Telugu remake titled Kirrak Party in 2018.
Even nine years on, Kirik Party continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans, thanks to its relatable portrayal of college life, memorable music, and a charming ensemble cast. Rakshit Shetty’s tribute is a reminder of the film’s lasting impact on Kannada cinema and its enduring connection with audiences.