On December 30, 2025, actress Rashmika Mandanna celebrated the 9th anniversary of her debut film, Kirik Party, by expressing gratitude to her fans. The Kannada film, a massive hit released in 2016, marked the beginning of her successful journey in the film industry.
Taking to Instagram, Rashmika shared a heartfelt note, acknowledging the milestone and thanking her admirers for their unwavering support. "9 yearsss!! I still can't fully wrap my head around that...26 films later, what I'm most proud of isn't just the work… it's the family I've found along the way," she wrote. She expressed feeling overwhelmed with joy, pride, and gratitude for the love, patience, and faith she has received throughout her career.
Rashmika credited her fans for standing by her through every phase, high, doubt, and learning experience. "Honestly… I still don't know how I survived these nine years But I do know one thing.. I survived because of youuu," she added, expressing her appreciation for their acceptance and generous love. She emphasized that the bond she shares with her fans has evolved into a family, which means everything to her.
Kirik Party, directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Paramvah Studios, is a youth-centric romantic comedy-drama that revolves around the college life of Karna, played by Rakshit Shetty, and his friends, including Saanvi, played by Rashmika Mandanna. The film captures the vibrant, chaotic, and heartfelt experiences of college life, resonating with audiences and becoming a major success. The story was penned by Rakshit Shetty and a team called The Seven Odds.
Rakshit Shetty also commemorated the film's anniversary, expressing gratitude to the audience for their enduring love. "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," he shared on social media.
Kirik Party not only launched Rashmika Mandanna's career but also established Rishab Shetty's early beginnings as a director. The film features Rakshit Shetty, Samyuktha Hegde, Achyuth Kumar, Aravinnd Iyer, Dhananjay Ranjan, Chandan Achar, and Pramod Shetty. The cinematography was handled by Karm Chawla, with Sachin Ravi as the editor, and the music was composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.
The film was shot at Malnad College of Engineering in Hassan, with principal photography commencing on April 17, 2016, and wrapping up in September 2016. Released on December 30, 2016, Kirik Party became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time, enjoying a theatrical run of 365 days in multiplexes. The film garnered numerous accolades, including the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Family Entertainer, five Filmfare Awards South, five IIFA Utsavam awards, and seven SIIMA awards.
Kirik Party is currently available for streaming on Jio Hotstar. Its success led to a Telugu remake titled Kirrak Party in 2018. The film's enduring popularity is attributed to its relatable portrayal of college life, memorable music, and a charming cast.
