Karnataka’s ticket price cap challenged in court; TN and AP have had similar rules for years

Karnataka’s ticket price cap: OG and Kantara Chapter 1 are among the earliest biggies that will be impacted if the rule holds good. The Kantara makers have joined the fight against the rule

OG and Kantara to be impacted by ticket rate rule?

The Karnataka government’s latest attempt to rein in rising movie ticket prices and make trips to the cinema more pocket friendly for audiences has run into rough water with multiplex associations and major production and distribution banners joining forces in litigation against the move. The government’s proposed Rs 200 per ticket cap, relaxation for which is available for halls with seating capacity up to 75 only, has been challenged in the state high court, with hearings set to begin on September 16.

Big ticket films to be impacted if ticket price cap rule comes through

Last week, the government had notified amendments to the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2014, capping movie ticket prices at a maximum of Rs 200, which has come only days before the release of big-budget movies like Pawan Kalyan’s OG (September 25), Kantara Chapter 1 (October 2), LIK (October 17). Bison (October 17), and Mass Jathara (October 31), among others. All of these films, especially Kantara Chapter 1, were counting on massive ticket rate hikes in the first 3-4 days, given that Tamil Nadu and AP/Telangana already have caps on pricing in place. Incidentally, the original Kantara did not have hiked ticket rates and holds the record for the highest footfalls in the state.

Also read: Rajinikanth’s Jailer FDFS: Netizens decry exorbitant ticket rates in Bengaluru

In Tamil Nadu, for instance, multiplex ticket rates do not exceed Rs 250, irrespective of the film or star involved. Also, the state does not allow early morning shows, with the first screening starting at 9 am only. However, adjustments are occasionally allowed to accommodate 5 shows per day, with the last ending at 2 am. In AP and Telangana also, the maximum rate is generally around Rs 300 only, with minor relaxations allowed for big films for a few days. This has been the norm across the border for several years now.

While Kerala is also pushing for regulation of ticket prices a la Karnataka, rates were never as high as, say, in Bengaluru on Day 1 of a major release. In the past, there have been attempts to regulate ticket prices in Karnataka, but it was never implemented, allowing massive hikes for big-ticket movies at least in the first few days of release. KGF: Chapter 2, for instance, had ticket prices as high as Rs 5,000 on Day 1 at select multiplexes. This reporter paid Rs 2,500 for a first day first show ticket at a movie hall that charges no more than Rs 500 on a normal day.

FAQs

Q. What is the latest rule on movie ticket cap in Karnataka?
A. The state government has capped tickets at Rs 200, with a relaxation available to halls with premium facilities and seating of no more than 75.

Q. Does any other state have a cap on movie ticket rates?
A. Yes. Tamil Nadu and AP and Telangana have restrictions on ticket rates. In Tamil Nadu, tickets are capped at Rs 250, while in AP and Telangana it can go up to Rs 300, with stray relaxation allowed for minor increases for big films. Kerala is mooting a similar cap on ticket prices.

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