Good News for Movie Lovers! Karnataka Caps Movie Ticket Prices at Rs 200, Tax Included

In a major push to make cinema more affordable and support regional storytelling, the Karnataka government has officially capped movie ticket prices across the state. This move, aligning with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s earlier budget promise, ensures that no cinema ticket - whether for single-screen theatres or multiplexes - will cost more than ₹200, including entertainment tax.



Ticket Price Cap Now in Effect
As per the official order dated July 15, the price ceiling applies to all language films screened in Karnataka. This development was made possible by amending the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2014. A newly introduced sub-rule under Rule 55 clearly states that "the cost of the ticket of each show in all theatres of the state, including multiplexes, for all language films should not exceed Rs 200, inclusive of entertainment tax."



This amendment aims to ensure that cinema remains accessible to a wider audience, without burdening viewers with high ticket costs - especially in multiplexes where prices often soar.

Strengthening Kannada Cinema Through OTT
Beyond the theatres, the Karnataka government is also working on launching its own OTT platform dedicated exclusively to Kannada films. This step is part of a broader initiative to amplify regional voices, following concerns raised by filmmakers like Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty about mainstream platforms sidelining regional content.



In response to this challenge, Rakshit Shetty’s Paramvah Studio launched its own streaming service for the web series Ekam in July 2024, after failing to secure a deal with established OTT players.

Preserving Karnataka’s Film Heritage
Adding to its efforts to safeguard cultural heritage, the government has earmarked ₹3 crore to build a Kannada film archive. This will include both digital and analog versions of films that highlight Karnataka’s rich history, traditions, and social landscape.



With this combination of policy support, digital infrastructure, and cultural preservation, Karnataka is not only making cinema more accessible but also carving out space for local content to flourish in an increasingly globalised entertainment landscape.