Karnataka caps movie ticket prices at Rs 200 across all theatres

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has officially capped ticket prices at ₹200 across the state. The new rule, introduced under the amended Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2025, will apply to all language films and theatres, including multiplexes.

The ₹200 cap is exclusive of taxes and will come into force from the date of its final publication in the Official Gazette.

This decision follows growing concern over soaring ticket prices, particularly in urban multiplexes, which have often discouraged regular cinema-goers and hurt the reach of Kannada-language films. By implementing a price ceiling, the government aims to strike a balance between audience affordability and industry sustainability.

However, the regulation does include some exceptions. High-end, multi-screen cinemas with 75 seats or fewer — which offer luxury viewing experiences — will be exempt from the cap and allowed to continue charging premium rates.

The announcement is the result of several months of stakeholder consultation. In July 2025, the state government exercised its powers under Section 19 of the Karnataka Cinema (Control) Act, 1964 to release draft amendments and seek public feedback. After careful review of the suggestions received, the revised rules were finalised.

The Kannada film industry has largely welcomed the decision, with many filmmakers and producers having long called for fairer ticket pricing. They argue that regional films often struggle to compete against big-budget productions from other languages, partly due to high ticket costs deterring local audiences.

The new regulation is expected to encourage higher footfall in theatres, increase visibility for Kannada films, and make cinema outings more accessible for the general public.

Once the Official Gazette notification is published, Karnataka will join a small group of Indian states actively regulating ticket prices in an effort to democratise access to cinema and protect the regional entertainment ecosystem.