On Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the state budget for the financial year 2025-26, with an estimated total outlay of Rs 4,08,647 crores. The major focus was on infrastructure, cinema promotion, and women empowerment. In a massive sigh of relief to moviegoers, it was announced that the cost of movie tickets will be capped at Rs. 200 across all theatres, including multiplexes in the state.
This decision will be applicable to all shows. This move aims to make cinema affordable to everyone and attract people who haven’t visited theatres in a while. Along with this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also revealed some more key decisions taken by the government to support the film industry.
The state will soon launch an OTT platform to promote Kannada films, and plans are underway to develop a film city in Mysuru. The government allocated Rs. 500 crores and 150 acres of land for the film city. The Congress government also announced that the cinema sector would be given industry status, including facilities, under the industry policy.
Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) thanked the government for fulfilling its demands. KFCC opines that ticket prices must be capped to encourage footfalls. While movie buffs welcomed the government’s move, the news has sent shockwaves across the multiplex owners. There are many doubts as to how the government will implement this price cap decision, and a detailed G.O. is expected to provide more clarity.