Published Jul 15, 2025 | 9:55 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 15, 2025 | 9:55 PM
Theatre. (iStock)
Synopsis: The Karnataka government has issued draft rules to cap cinema ticket prices at ₹200 for all language films across all theatres, including multiplexes, in the state. The notification invites public feedback within 15 days and proposes amendments to the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2014.
The Karnataka government has issued a draft notification to regulate cinema ticket prices, capping them at ₹200 for all language films across all theatres in the state, including multiplexes.
The draft rules, titled The Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, were notified by the Under Secretary to the Government, Home Department (Prisons & Cinema), on Tuesday, 15 July. The government has invited objections and suggestions on the proposed regulations within 15 days of their publication in the official gazette.
The amendment seeks to modify rule 55, in sub-rule (6), of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2014, and is being made in exercise of powers under Section 19 of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1964 (Karnataka Act 23 of 1964) to insert:
“Provided that the cost of the ticket of each show in all theatres of the state including multiplexes for all language films shall not exceed Rs.200 (Rupees two hundred only) inclusive of entertainment tax.”
The move was first announced during the 2025–26 Budget presentation on 7 March by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The proposed regulation 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Karnataka High Court by theatre owners – who continued to set their own prices despite the directive – and was later withdrawn.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 Dese Gowda)
