Karnataka's key decision on ticket rates

The Karnataka government has taken key steps to regulate cinema ticket prices. Based on the Cinemas Control Act of 1964, the draft ‘Karnataka Cinemas Regulation Rules-2025’ has been released. As part of this, the ticket price in all multiplexes and cinema theatres in the state has been capped at Rs. 200. This price will also include entertainment tax.

This decision will be applicable to films of all languages and all theatres. The government has asked the public to express any views or objections to this within 15 days. CM Siddaramaiah announced this issue in the 2025-26 budget session, and now an official draft notification has been issued in accordance with it. The government has clarified that the main purpose of this decision is to make cinema more accessible to the common man.

On the other hand, the decision taken by the Karnataka government will provide relief to the general audience. However, it will be a severe financial setback for big budget films and multiplex owners. Multiplexes usually charge Rs. Tickets that used to cost Rs 600-1000 are now being capped at Rs 200, which is expected to result in a 30% drop in revenue.

While there is a significant market for Telugu and Tamil films in Karnataka, the drop in ticket prices is likely to have a significant impact on the opening collections. Now, upcoming pan-India films like ‘Harihara Veeramallu, Kingdom, War 2, Coolie’ will have a major impact on the Karnataka collections. If the same policy is implemented in Telugu states, there are chances of major changes in the budget of big budget films.