Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 16: In a welcome move for moviegoers, the Karnataka government has issued an order capping cinema ticket prices at Rs 200 across all theatres and multiplexes in the state. The directive mandates uniform ticket pricing irrespective of language or location, and applies to all films screened in Karnataka.

The move comes as a relief for cinema lovers who have long complained about skyrocketing ticket prices, particularly in multiplexes where tickets for popular non-Kannada films often crossed Rs 1,000. The government’s order aims to standardize pricing and encourage more people to return to theatres.

The Kannada film industry has been facing a downturn, with several single-screen theatres shutting down due to dwindling footfall. Despite big-budget films from other languages earning huge revenues in Karnataka, local films have struggled. Many believe high ticket prices were one of the reasons audiences stayed away, especially from multiplexes where rates were significantly higher than single-screen cinemas.

The cap on ticket prices was first proposed in the 2025–26 state budget, and with the government now issuing the official order, it is expected that affordability will boost attendance in theatres and multiplexes alike.

The move is also seen as a response to the growing dominance of OTT platforms post-COVID. With many viewers opting to watch films at home and new releases hitting streaming platforms just weeks after theatrical release, cinema halls have witnessed a sharp decline in audience numbers.

With this latest step, the government hopes to reinvigorate theatre culture across the state while supporting the film industry’s recovery.