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Time of India

Will Karnataka's INR 200 cap on tickets redefine cinema viewing?

Even as the film industry debates the potential impact of the 'partly executed' INR 200 ceiling on movie ticket prices in Karnataka — from concerns over revenue and theatre viability to hopes of increased accessibility and support for Kannada cinema — the bigger question remains: Will the government implement it? The order, issued on July 15 and published in the Official Gazette, had a 15-day window for public objections and suggestions. That window closed on July 29, yet there has been no official update or notification as of press time, leaving the industry and audience in suspense. Uniform ₹200 pricing isn't feasible for us: Multiplex 'For a multiplex chain, implementing a flat ₹200 price across all seats isn't practical,' says Jayanth Gowda, a senior floor in-charge at a cinema chain. 'We've applied it only to standard seats. Premium and recliner sections still follow a different pricing model.' He notes that the financial implications are substantial. 'Reducing all tickets to ₹200 affects revenue, staffing, and the share that goes to filmmakers. It could impact salaries and long-term production planning,' he shares. Tickets will now be affordable to all: Raj B Shetty Actor-director Raj B Shetty sees the cap as a positive step. 'People can now afford theatres. If a regular Bengalurean can take their family to a multiplex without worrying about cost, that's a win.' He also believes the cap gives smaller films more visibility. 'Earlier, big-budget films monopolised prime slots. Now, mid and small-budget films are getting a fair chance, too," he says. Tickets could be priced higher at least for the first 10 days post release: Film industry insider A source from the Kannada Film Industry warns that high-budget films face the biggest challenge. 'This cap is a blessing for mid and small-budget films. But large productions rely heavily on opening weekend collections to recoup costs. Without flexible pricing, recovery becomes difficult.' There are several major releases lined up, like Kantara: Chapter 1, KD: The Devil, and Toxic, which can have a positive impact on the economy of the industry. The source suggests Karnataka adopt a model like Telangana's, where ticket prices are higher for the first 10 days post release and later return to standard rates. 'That model supports early recovery without penalising longterm viewership,' the source adds. Price cap won't affect tier 2 and 3 cities: Source Despite assumptions that rural audiences would benefit most, industry sources say otherwise. 'In smaller towns, tickets were already priced between ₹200–₹250. The cap doesn't make a big difference there,' says one insider. 'The real impact is in Bengaluru, where multiplex tickets were far more expensive,' the source adds. No surge in footfall just yet: Multiplexes While the rule is being implemented in phases, multiplexes are cautious. 'There hasn't been a dramatic increase in footfalls,' admits Jayanth. 'People still come for good films. That hasn't changed.' He adds that while affordability improves access, a blanket cap could lead to reduced maintenance standards, staff reductions, and a narrower selection of films.