Kannada director Hemanth Rao, known for 'Sapta Sagaradaache Ello - Side A' criticised IIFA Awards, calling it "disrespectful". "I was sat till 3 am...only to realize there was no award," he wrote on Instagram, adding that nominees weren't even mentioned this year. "Your award shows run on the talent you put on your stage...I don't need your award," he added.