Quick Summary: The Karnataka government has proposed a cap on movie ticket prices at ₹200 (inclusive of entertainment tax) for all language films across theatres and multiplexes in the state. Issued on July 15, 2025, the draft amendment to the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2014, is open for public feedback for 15 days. This move aims to make cinema more affordable and boost regional films, but it may impact multiplex revenue models and premium cinema experiences. Final implementation will depend on the outcome of the consultation process.
Full Article: The Government of Karnataka has issued a draft notification proposing a state-wide cap on movie ticket prices, setting the maximum charge at ₹200 for all language films across all theatres and multiplexes. The notification, dated July 15, 2025, was released by the Home Department (Prisons & Cinema) and is aimed at amending the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2014. As per the draft, the cost of tickets, inclusive of entertainment tax, should not exceed ₹200 under any circumstances.
This decision is grounded in the powers granted to the state under Section 19 of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1964. The amendment will be open for public objection and suggestion for a period of 15 days from its publication in the Official Gazette. The government has also proposed the omission of Rule 146 from the existing rules, although specific implications of this omission have not been detailed in the draft.
This is not the first time Karnataka has considered regulating movie ticket prices. In 2017, a similar proposal was floated, inspired by the Tamil Nadu model, which had long maintained a strict cap on cinema ticket rates. However, the Karnataka proposal faced resistance from multiplex operators and did not progress beyond the discussion stage. Over the years, the demand for ticket price regulation has grown stronger, particularly from regional filmmakers and consumer rights advocates.
With this latest move, Karnataka joins the ranks of states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh that have implemented ticket price controls to make cinema more accessible. The cap is expected to benefit ordinary moviegoers, especially in urban centres like Bengaluru, where weekend multiplex prices often soar to ₹400 or more. The uniform pricing could encourage greater audience turnout, particularly for Kannada and other regional language films that often struggle to compete against large-scale Bollywood and Hollywood releases.
However, the implications for multiplex operators could be significant. Chains such as PVR INOX, Cinepolis, and others rely on dynamic pricing models, especially for premium formats like IMAX, recliner seats, and luxury screenings. The ₹200 ceiling may undermine their ability to monetize high-end services, potentially affecting overall profitability. It could also reduce incentives for these chains to invest in upgrading infrastructure or expanding in Karnataka.
Industry experts believe this could push theatre owners to find alternative revenue streams, such as increasing food and beverage prices or cutting back on less profitable screenings. Meanwhile, regional film producers and distributors are likely to welcome the move, viewing it as an opportunity to level the playing field and increase box office reach for smaller films.
Reactions from stakeholders have so far been mixed. While film industry veterans and local cinema associations have expressed support, multiplex chains are expected to submit formal objections during the 15-day consultation period. A senior executive from a leading multiplex brand, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that while public interest is important, pricing flexibility is essential for sustaining operations and offering quality experiences.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the policy evolves after public feedback. If the draft rules are finalized and implemented, Karnataka will become one of the few Indian states with a legislated cap on cinema ticket pricing. Whether the policy strikes the right balance between affordability for audiences and sustainability for cinema operators will be closely watched by industry stakeholders nationwide.