Finally, cap on multiplex ticket price

Gold Class Screen and Gold Class Seats exempted

A cinema-goer asks for directions at the ticket counter of a PVR Multiplex in Mumbai November 10, 2013. Multiplex operators like PVR Ltd, Inox Leisure, Reliance Mediaworks and Mexican chain Cinepolis are scrambling to set up theatres targeting the rapidly growing number of middle-class Indians willing to pay to watch Bollywood movies in more comfortable surroundings. The potential is huge, provided operators can find the right location in a country where prime urban real estate is costly and in short supply. Picture taken November 10, 2013. To match MULTIPLEX-INDIA/ REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SOCIETY BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT)

A day after facing embarrassment over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah watching Bâhubali - The Conclusion in Orion Mall by paying more than what he himself prescribed in the budget, the government on Tuesday issued notification on capping the ticket price in all single screens, including multiplexes, at ₹200.

However, the maximum cap does not include taxes. According to sources, the price may go up to ₹265 with tax. A notification has also been issued making Kannada and regional language films mandatory in at least one screen during prime time between 1.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. As expected, Gold Class Screen and Gold Class Seats, IMAX and 4DX screens are exempted from this provision. But the number of seats in Gold Class has been restricted to 10% of the total seats in the screen. According to sources, though Mr. Siddaramaiah visited Orion Mall to watch Bâhubali , his intention was to understand the ground reality in multiplexes, before inking the final order.

Move welcomed

S.V. Rajendra Singh Bahu, chairman, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, said Kannadigas were highly indebted to the government and the move was estimated to generate additional revenue for the Kannada industry, which was hitherto losing owing to competition by other language films.

Umesh Banakar, vice-president, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, said with the cap on ticket price, Kannada films will get a level playing field and popular films from any language will gets shows they deserve.

Praising the government for taking “a historic decision at a time when Kannada film industry is in crisis,” K.V. Chandrashekar of Karnataka Film Exhibitors’ Federation said it was important to get the Karnataka Cinema (Regulation) Act and Entertainment Tax Act amended to implement the government order.