Bengaluru: Finally, some relief to the moviegoers in Karnataka. The state government has proposed to implement uniform admission fee policy in all cinema theatres, including multiplexes, by prescribing Rs 200 as maximum fee.
Apart from this long pending demand of the Kannada film industry, the government has also decided to make it compulsory the exhibition of Kannada and regional language films in one of the screens of multiplexes during prime time between 1.30 pm and 7.30 pm.
However, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president Sa Ra Govind has maintained that there has been a ‘mistake’ in the budget with regard to the compulsory screening of Kannada and regional films in multiplex cinemas.
“There has been a mistake in the budget, as the compulsory exhibition of Kannada and regional language films will be in 'all screens' of multiplex cinemas in prime time between 1.30 pm and 7.30 pm, and not just ‘one’ as stated in the budget,” he said.
However, according to a highly placed source in the Information Department, there cannot be any mistake and it should be understood as stated in the budget.
The cap on maximum fare for cinema tickets has also drawn a mixed response. One section of the industry feels that it makes no sense to the industry and big budget films will face problems. Whereas, the other sections who are delighted with the government’s proposal said that the number of audience coming to theatres will automatically increase and the Kannada films will also benefit.
