Rs 200 cap on multiplex tickets sees no government push yet

The state government, which wanted to put a cap cinema ticket prices including those at multiplexes, might not do it anytime soon.
Rs 200 cap on multiplex tickets sees no government push yet

BENGALURU: The state government, which wanted to put a cap cinema ticket prices including those at multiplexes, might not do it anytime soon. The government announced the proposal in the budget but has not taken any initiative in this direction. All other proposals in the budget came into effect from April 1.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced in the budget that the ticket price will be capped at `200 in all multiplexes screens and that screening of a Kannada movie will be compulsory in one screen of every multiplex.

Government sources told Express that the CM, who also holds the Information Department portfolio, is busy with byelections and the proposal has not been taken forward. “The announcement was made in the budget, but we do not know what is in his mind,’’ they said.
Sources said the government is anticipating opposition to the proposal from theatre owners. If they do not agree, enforcing it would be difficult task. “The government is yet to call a meeting to discuss ticket pricing. We might not have a problem enforcing the screening of one Kannada cinema, but we are skeptical about the ticket price,’’ an official said

Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Vishukumar told Express that they are yet to begin the process of capping on ticket prices. “Before initiating any measure in that direction, it has to  come before the cabinet for approval,’’ he said.
Sources from a leading multiplex chain said, people in Bengaluru do not mind paying `400 per ticket if there is content in the movie.

“When Bahubali or a Rajinikanth movie was released, people paid `1,000 and shows were housefull. If the content is not good, people will not come to watch even if the tickets are priced at `100,’’ he said.
A person from another multiplex said, “The state government should have at least called us before announcing the proposal in the budget. We spend so much for power supply, air conditioning, house keeping and many more. The ticket price of `200 is too less for us. If the government goes ahead without consulting us, we will go to court.”

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The New Indian Express
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