Karnataka Budget: CM Siddaramaiah tightens screws on multiplexes, moves to cap movie tickets at Rs 200

As part of the state Budget announcements, Siddaramaiah declared that the cinema sector will be granted industry status, making it eligible for benefits under the Industrial Policy. A multiplex complex will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a 2.5-acre plot owned by the Karnataka Film Academy in Nandini Layout, Bengaluru. The government has also earmarked Rs 3 crore for the creation of a repository of Kannada films in digital and non-digital formats.

Further, the much-anticipated International Film City in Mysuru will be developed at a cost of Rs 500 crore in a PPP model, with 150 acres already transferred to the Department of Information and Public Relations.

Welcoming the Budget proposals, Kannada film director Chaitanya said that capping ticket prices at Rs 200 will encourage more middle-class audiences to return to theatres. “Currently, watching a movie in a multiplex costs between Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000, including transport and refreshments. This pricing is driving audiences to opt for streaming platforms instead. A Rs 200 cap is a good step,” he said. Chaitanya added, “A section of exhibitors will feel the heat first. However, laws should be made for the convenience of the audience.”

Umesh Bankar, President, Kannada Producers’ Council, pointed out that a similar proposal had been discussed in 2016, but multiplex operators had challenged it in court, leading to a stay order from the Karnataka High Court.

“Back then, legal challenges and bureaucratic hurdles prevented the implementation. Now, if the government implements it effectively, it could benefit the Kannada film industry. While big star films have thrived with high ticket prices, smaller films often run for just two to three weeks, before fading out. It is the experimental filmmakers and producers who are driving the industry. Therefore, Rs 200 cap will benefit such filmmakers big time,” he said.

Raghu, who earlier worked with a prominent multiplex, said, “Capping ticket prices to just Rs 200 is not financially viable for the multiplexes. For the amenities and features they offer, capping ticket prices would just destroy the multiplex business. Moreover, big star films that have huge investment sell tickets at increased rates to get the return on investment. They will be looking at making the best box office collections in the first few days or weeks, before the movie is leaked online or officially streamed on OTT platforms. They will take a big blow if the capping policy comes into force.”

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