CM Shivakumar Assures Kannada Film Industry of New Policy, Subsidy Review

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday assured representatives of the Kannada film industry that the government would hold discussions on introducing a new film policy, increasing subsidies, establishing a film archive, and initiating the process for this year's state film awards.He also said that steps would be taken to release the funds announced for the proposed film city after consulting with Finance Department officials.

The CM made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), led by its President Jayamala.

The delegation submitted a memorandum to Shivakumar, requesting government support for the survival and growth of the Kannada film industry.

Their key demands included a comprehensive new film policy, a government-run OTT platform, increased financial assistance, amendments to the Cinematograph Act, support for upgrading single-screen theatres, establishment of a film archive, and allotment of five acres of BDA land for housing projects for film industry members, the CMO said in a statement.

Responding positively to the requests, the Chief Minister said the government would examine ways to extend support to the industry.

"He assured that discussions would be held on introducing a new film policy, increasing subsidies, establishing a film archive, initiating the process for this year's state film awards, and taking steps to release the funds announced for the proposed film city after consulting the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department," the statement said.

Regarding the request for land proposal allotment from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the CM said the government would explore options to provide assistance.

As per the memorandum, the current Karnataka Film Policy, formulated in 2011, is still in force despite major technological changes over the past 15 years.

It suggested that the new policy should address OTT and digital distribution, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, protection of the Kannada film industry, support for small-budget films, preservation of theatres, welfare of artists and film workers, film education and archiving, and expansion into global markets.

Noting that more than 250 Kannada films are released every year, but many multinational OTT platforms do not acquire low-budget Kannada films, the Chamber proposed that the government launch its own OTT platform to support Kannada cinema.

Pointing out that the number of cinema halls in Karnataka has declined from around 1,200 to just 400, the chamber sought incentives for constructing new theatres in urban extensions and rural areas, tax benefits, and infrastructure support.

Assistance was also sought for renovating and modernising old single-screen theatres, along with loans at an interest rate of 4 percent.

Although the government announced Rs 3 crore in the 2025–26 Budget for film archiving, no work has begun, the chamber said, more than 3,000 Kannada films shot on celluloid between 1934 and 2010 require preservation, with many rare films already deteriorating.

The chamber requested that all pending State Film Awards from 2022 onwards be completed at the earliest. Beginning in 2026, the awards should be presented annually, preferably on April 24, the birth anniversary of legendary actor Dr Rajkumar.

They also urged the government to lay the foundation stone for the proposed Film City in Mysuru and release the previously announced Rs 500 crore allocation.

The memorandum noted that Hombale Films is willing to build affordable residential apartments for producers, distributors, and exhibitors.

To facilitate this project, it requested the government to allot five acres of BDA land.