₹200 Cap on Movie Tickets: Karnataka Government Implements Price Limit for All Theaters and Multiplexes
₹200 Cap on Movie Tickets: Karnataka Government Implements Price Limit for All Theaters and Multiplexes
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has capped movie ticket prices at ₹200 across all theaters, including multiplexes, to make cinema more affordable and support the Kannada film industry. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision during the state budget presentation on Friday.
Alongside the price cap, the government is launching a state-run OTT platform to promote Kannada films. This move follows concerns from filmmakers like Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty about major OTT platforms showing little interest in acquiring Kannada content. Rakshit Shetty’s Paramvah Studio had to launch its own streaming platform in July 2024 to release the web series Ekam after failing to secure a deal with a major OTT service.
To preserve Karnataka’s cinematic heritage, the government has allocated ₹3 crore for a digital and non-digital archive of Kannada films. The cinema sector has also been granted industry status, making it eligible for benefits under the state’s Industrial Policy.
Additionally, the government plans to develop a multiplex complex in Bengaluru’s Nandini Layout through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The project will be built on a 2.5-acre plot owned by the Karnataka Film Academy.
Looking ahead, the budget allocates 150 acres for the establishment of an international-standard Film City in Mysuru. The ₹500 crore project aims to provide world-class infrastructure for film production and attract both domestic and international filmmakers.
These initiatives mark a significant step towards strengthening the Kannada film industry and making movies more accessible to the public.
