Karnataka Government Caps Movie Ticket Prices

The Karnataka Government has taken a significant step by issuing a draft notification to cap movie Ticket Prices at Rs 200 in cinema halls and multiplexes across the state. This move aims to make entertainment more affordable for the masses. The notification specifies that the Rs 200 cap includes the entertainment tax levied by the state government.

The decision to cap Ticket Prices is a response to the demands of the Kannada film industry. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced this move in his budget speech for 2025-26, promising to make cinema more accessible to the general public. Notably, this is not the first time the Karnataka Government has attempted to cap Ticket Prices. A similar announcement was made in 2017, but it was never implemented.

The draft notification has been issued by the Home Department under the Karnataka Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025. Stakeholders and the general public have been given 15 days to file objections or suggestions, after which the final notification will be issued. The Additional Chief Secretary, Vidhana Soudha, Home Department, will receive the submissions.

The move is expected to have a significant impact on the film industry, particularly multiplexes in Bengaluru, which currently charge between Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 for a ticket for non-Kannada movies. The cap of Rs 200 on Ticket Prices may lead to a shift in the way cinemas operate, with potential benefits for audiences and the Kannada film industry.