Kantara 2 Makers Moves Court Regarding Ticket Prices

Hombale Films, the production company behind the Kantara franchise, has filed four public interest litigations (PILs) in the Karnataka High Court challenging the state government's decision to cap movie ticket prices at ₹200 across theaters, including multiplexes. The decision, made under the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2025, aims to make cinema more accessible and affordable for audiences.

However, the petitioners, including the Multiplex Association of India, Keystone Entertainment, and VK Films, argue that this move will negatively impact film collections and lead to financial losses. The petitioners' concerns are amplified by the upcoming release of Kantara: Chapter 1, scheduled for October 2, 2025. With the ticket price cap in place, the film's box office earnings could be significantly affected.

The Karnataka government's decision excludes premium multiplex screens with fewer than 75 seats, allowing them to maintain higher pricing structures. The film industry has raised concerns about the potential revenue loss and financial setbacks due to the uniform ticket price.

The government's decision to cap ticket prices is expected to benefit audiences, making cinema more affordable and increasing footfall in theaters. However, the industry's response highlights the complexity of balancing affordability with sustainability for theaters and film producers. The outcome of the PILs will determine the future of cinema ticket pricing in Karnataka.