A major fight has broken out between the Karnataka government and the film industry over the price of movie tickets. The government’s recent move to make cinema more affordable by capping ticket prices at ₹200 has been met with strong opposition from multiplex associations and top production houses, who have now taken the matter to the state high court.
This new rule could shake up the business of several big-ticket films scheduled for release soon, including the highly anticipated Kantara Chapter 1 and Pawan Kalyan’s OG. The first hearing on the case is set to begin today, September 16.
What Is The New Ticket Price Rule?
Last week, the Karnataka government announced changes to the cinema rules, putting a firm cap of ₹200 on all movie tickets across the state. The only exception is for premium theatres with a small seating capacity of 75 or less. This decision comes just weeks before a series of huge films are set to hit the screens, which has caused a major stir in the film industry.
Why Are Producers And Multiplexes Upset?
For big-budget films, the first few days of release are crucial, and producers often rely on high ticket prices in multiplexes to recover a large chunk of their investment quickly. In the past, Bengaluru has seen ticket prices for major releases go as high as ₹2,500 to ₹5,000. With price caps already in place in neighbouring states, producers were counting on Karnataka for big opening weekend numbers. The makers of Kantara Chapter 1 are among the key industry players who have joined the court case to fight against this new rule.
How Other South Indian States Handle Ticket Prices
Capping movie ticket prices is not a new concept in South India. In Tamil Nadu, multiplex tickets are generally capped at ₹250. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the maximum price is usually around ₹300, with minor, temporary increases sometimes allowed for huge films. Karnataka, however, has never had a strict cap, which is why the sudden ₹200 limit is seen as a major blow. Interestingly, the original Kantara became a historic blockbuster and recorded the highest footfalls in Karnataka without any ticket price hikes, proving that great content can succeed without expensive tickets.
About Kantara Chapter 1
Kantara Chapter 1 is the highly anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, who also stars in the lead role, the film is produced by Hombale Films. It is set to explore the origins of the mythology seen in the first film and is one of the most awaited pan-India releases, scheduled for October 2, 2025.
(Also read: Yogi Adityanath Steps In: UP CM Assures Disha Patani’s Family ‘Culprits Will Be Found From Depths Of Earth’ )
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