Panaji, Nov 14 (IANS): It's not films but drama which has unfolded first in the run up to the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which kicks off in Goa later this month.

A day after the festival organisers in New Delhi said that President Pranab Mukherjee would be attending the inaugural ceremony of India's biggest film festival, a senior official of the ministry of information and broadcasting dismissed it as a rumour.

"These are just rumours. The president will not be attending the inaugural ceremony," festival director Shankar Mohan told reporters here.

A senior police official in-charge of security for the event also said that had the president's arrival been confirmed, security-related logistical and other processes would have already started.

"We have received no intimation of the presidential arrival yet. As per protocol, we are informed at least a fortnight in advance," police official said.

According to media reports, Press Information Bureau Additional Director General K.M. Ravindran told reporters in Chennai Wednesday that the president would inaugurate the 11-day festival, which is held in Goa annually since 2004.

"President (Pranab Mukherjee) will inaugurate the 11-day festival. About 160 foreign films will be showcased under various categories," media reports had said quoting Ravindran.

IFFI begins in Goa from Nov 20.