Cinephiles in Karnataka now have reason to celebrate. As part of the state budget presented on Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that ticket prices across all theatres, including multiplexes will be capped at Rs 200. The decision comes as a surprise, as producers typically request for a hike in ticket prices on the opening days of a big-budget film. The objective behind the move is to make watching films on the big screen a more affordable experience that does not break the bank.
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The decision follows discussion that took place back in 2017, when Siddaramaiah brought up the Rs 200 ticket price cap but it stayed in the High Court, with the order eventually withdrawn.
In addition, the state will also launch its own OTT platform to promote Kannada films. This initiative comes after actor-producers like Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty voiced concerns over the representation of Kannada films on major streaming platforms.
Furthermore, the government has also earmarked Rs 3 crore to build a repository for the preservation of Kannada film, in both digital and non-digital formats, showcasing the state’s social, historical, and cultural heritage. Cinema will be granted industry status, which will now provide them benefits that fall under the state’s Industrial Policy.
In addition to this, Siddaramaiah also disclosed plans to develop a multiplex complex under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on 2.5 acres of land owned by the Karnataka Film Academy. Also executed under the PPP model are plans for an international-level film city in Mysuru is underway with 150 acres of land already transferred to the Department of Information and Public Relations. The total investment of the project amounts to Rs 500 crore.
