The move was first announced during the 2025–26 Budget presentation on 7 March by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Published Sep 16, 2025 | 4:24 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 16, 2025 | 4:38 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: Karnataka government capping movie ticket prices at ₹200 prompted legal challenge from Hombale Films, Multiplex Association, Keystone Entertainment, and VK Films. Four PILs filed in Karnataka High Court argue the cap will reduce box office earnings, especially with ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ nearing release. The rule exempts premium cinemas with 75 or fewer seats.
Karnataka government, last week, issued a notification capping movie ticket prices at ₹200 across all theaters, including multiplexes. However, on Tuesday, 16 September, Hombale Films (producers of the ‘Kantara’ franchise), Keystone Entertainment, and VK Films have filed four PILs in the Karnataka High Court challenging this decision.
They argued that the ₹200 cap will harm box office revenues, especially with ‘Kantara: Chapter 1′ set for release on 2 October.
“Ahead of some big movie releases in Karnataka, four PILs filed in Karnataka High Court over Karnataka govt decision to cap movie tickets at Rs 200 in the state. The petitions have been filed by Hombale Films, Multiplex Association of India, Keystone Entertainment, and VK Films.”
“Multiplex owners and film producers have questioned the government’s decision, arguing that fixing a uniform ticket price for multiplexes will lead to reduced income and cause financial losses,” the press note stated.
The Karnataka government’s decision, part of the amended Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2025, exempts multi-screen cinemas with premium facilities and 75 or fewer seats.
In July, using powers under Section 19 of the Karnataka Cinema (Control) Act, 1964, the state proposed draft amendments to the 2014 rules. The ₹200 ticket price cap will take effect upon final publication in the Official Gazette.
The move was first announced during the 2025–26 Budget presentation on 7 March by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
It is expected to bring relief to cine-goers, with ticket prices in some Bengaluru multiplexes previously going as high as ₹600.
This is not the first time such a cap has been imposed, however. In 2017, during Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure as chief minister, a similar order was issued.
However, it was challenged in the Karnataka High Court by theatre owners – who continued to set their own prices despite the directive – and was later withdrawn.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
