The Karnataka government has taken a landmark step to make cinema more accessible for its citizens by issuing a draft notification proposing a uniform cap on movie ticket prices. As per the new proposal, no theatre in Karnataka, whether single-screen or multiplex, will be allowed to charge more than ₹200 per ticket—including all applicable taxes—for any show, regardless of seat type, format, or language.
The government's notification sets a maximum ticket price of ₹200 for any movie show. This cap is inclusive of all entertainment taxes and applies uniformly to all seats, screen formats (including IMAX, 4DX, recliners), and language films. The order will apply to every cinema in Karnataka, eliminating price differentiation between regular, premium, or balcony categories.
Public feedback has been invited for 15 days before the government proceeds with a final notification. Stakeholders and citizens may send objections or suggestions to the Home Department within this period.
Karnataka cinegoers, especially families, have long voiced concerns about exorbitant ticket prices, especially on weekends or in premium multiplexes where prices could reach ₹500–₹1,000 for special formats. The uniform cap seeks to:
Make cinema an affordable cultural experience for all, not just the privileged.
Encourage wider audiences for Kannada and regional films.
Address declining crowds at theatres, a trend made worse by escalating food and beverage costs at multiplexes.
Major exhibitors like PVR-Inox, who operate premium movie formats in Bengaluru, could see average ticket prices drop by approximately 30%. This reduction may affect their revenues, with analysts predicting a possible 3–4% revenue decline for multiplex chains in the state.
Operators point out that high-end screens with costly technology and amenities have business models dependent on premium pricing. A flat ₹200 cap may delay investment payback on formats such as IMAX and 4DX, potentially discouraging future investments and innovation in the sector.
Past attempts by Karnataka to cap ticket prices led to legal challenges, with the courts previously granting exceptions for luxury formats. The new draft notification explicitly removes those exemptions, setting the stage for possible disputes between government and exhibitors.
