The government has taken a significant step to revitalize the film industry by introducing important new policies, including a grant of ₹3 crore and officially recognizing the sector as an industry. Ticket prices at all cinemas, including multiplexes, will be capped at ₹200. Moreover, the film industry will now benefit from the State’s Industrial Policy, as announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Filmmaker P. Sheshadri, celebrated for works such as Munnudi and Atithi, expressed his approval of these policies, highlighting that they fulfill a longstanding demand from both filmmakers and audiences. This initiative is aimed at making cinema more affordable and accessible to the general public.
While fellow filmmaker Prithvi Konanur praised the move, he suggested that ticket prices should have been capped even lower. He pointed out that high ticket costs are a significant factor contributing to the decline in cinema attendance.
In addition, Sheshadri noted that the long-awaited construction of screening halls at the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy will significantly enhance the cinematic infrastructure by providing dedicated spaces for film screenings and cultural events. He believes this development will strengthen Karnataka’s film ecosystem and commended the government’s commitment to supporting the arts.
Sheshadri proposed a differentiated pricing model, recommending a lower ticket price of ₹120–150 for Kannada films while keeping the ₹200 cap for non-Kannada films. He feels this strategy could further support the local film industry.
Filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor Pawan Kumar emphasized the advantages of granting industry status to the film sector. He noted that it will benefit daily wage workers by providing access to essential benefits such as insurance and provident funds. If executed effectively, this move could bring greater structure to the industry and create opportunities for increased investment.
