Karnataka's Cinema Ticket Cap Sparks Legal Backlash

The Karnataka government's recent move to cap cinema ticket rates at Rs 200 statewide is facing legal opposition from prime industry players, including Hombale Films. The production house, along with the Multiplex Association of India and others, has filed four Public Interest Litigations challenging the order.

The petitioners claim that the regulation, excluding taxes from the cap, threatens to impact revenue streams and box office earnings, primarily affecting large-scale film releases. This concern comes just before the anticipated release of 'Kantara: Chapter 1', the high-profile prequel to 2022's successful 'Kantara', produced by Hombale Films.

Critics argue that the uniform pricing rule across multiplexes could lead to significant income reduction and financial losses for both producers and theater proprietors. Notably, the cap exempts multi-screen theaters offering premium amenities and seating fewer than 75 people.

(With inputs from agencies.)