
In a major move for cinema-goers, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday that movie ticket prices across the state, including in multiplexes and theatres, will be capped at ₹200. The announcement was made as part of the state budget, which also included several key initiatives aimed at boosting Kannada cinema.
Key Highlights of the Announcement:
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₹200 Cap on Movie Ticket Prices:
- The Karnataka government has imposed a maximum cap of ₹200 on movie tickets in single-screen theatres and multiplexes to make cinema more affordable.
- This initiative aims to promote footfall in theatres while ensuring accessibility for all audiences.
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State-Owned OTT Platform for Kannada Films:
- The government will launch its own OTT platform to support Kannada cinema, ensuring better visibility for regional films.
- This decision follows concerns raised by leading Kannada filmmakers, including Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty, about mainstream OTT platforms neglecting Kannada content.
- Rakshit Shetty’s Paramvah Studio had previously launched its own streaming platform in 2024 after facing difficulties securing an OTT deal.
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₹3 Crore Allocated for Kannada Film Archive:
- A dedicated repository of Kannada films will be established to preserve the state’s cinematic heritage.
- The archive will store both digital and non-digital versions of classic and culturally significant Kannada movies.
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Cinema Industry Recognition:
- The Kannada film industry will now be officially recognized as an industrial sector, making it eligible for benefits under Karnataka’s Industrial Policy.
- This move will provide the industry with financial support, tax benefits, and infrastructural development opportunities.
ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಸರ್ವತೋಮುಖ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಯ ಮುನ್ನೋಟದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಿದ್ಧಪಡಿಸಿರುವ ನಮ್ಮ ಈ ಬಜೆಟನ್ನು ಸಮಸ್ತ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರಿಗೆ ಅರ್ಪಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ.
ನಾನು ಮಂಡಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಈ ಬಜೆಟ್ ಮುಂದಿನ ಒಂದು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕವನ್ನು ಸಶಕ್ತಿ, ಸಮೃದ್ಧಿ, ಸ್ವಾವಲಂಬನೆಯ ಹಾದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಸಲಿದೆ ಎನ್ನುವ ಪೂರ್ಣ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸ ನನಗಿದೆ.
2025-26ನೇ ಸಾಲಿನ ನಮ್ಮ… pic.twitter.com/wB0609CSUH
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) March 7, 2025
With these initiatives, the Karnataka government aims to boost the regional film industry, making cinema more accessible while preserving the rich heritage of Kannada films.