Sandalwood mantra: Keep tickets cheap

Bengaluru: If the Kannada film industry has its way tickets for movies in multiplex theatres in the state may cost no more than Rs 125.

Besides more affordable tickets, the industry wants all theatres to opt for online booking  and  set up  film archives.It is also looking for a Rs. 50 lakh subsidy to build “ Janata theatres” screening only Kannada movies and a subsidy of Rs. 25 lakh for renovation of  cinemas.

In other recommendations made to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah,  Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy has called for invoking the Goonda Act against those pirating movies and setting up of anti- piracy units.

Claiming that the Kannada film industry was in a crisis, chairman of the academy, Rajendra Singh Babu warned that if the situation continued, producers would be forced to commit suicide just like farmers and pleaded with the government to come to their  rescue by implementing the  suggestions made to give the industry a boost.  

Among other recommendations, a 13- member committee headed by Mr Babu has suggested holding of the  Annual Filmfare award function  on the birth anniversary of Kannada movie icon, Dr. Rajkumar, on April 24 and  sought 50 acres  in Mysuru for a residential complex for film artistes.

The  academy also wants a higher subsidy for award winning films. In its view, the subsidy should be Rs 25lakh for  Swarna Kamala winners,  Rs 20 lakh for  Rajatha Kamala awardees and Rs. 20 lakh for state award winners.