Multiplexes obey government order, cap tickets at Rs 200

Bengaluru, May 5: Multiplexes and other cinema halls on Thursday implemented the state government order’s that caps tickets at Rs 200. They are, however, yet to enforce the other order on compulsory exhibition of Kannada and regional language films on at least one screen during prime time (1.30 pm to 7.30 pm).

The multiplexes implemented the order on ticket cap soon after receiving the notification from Information Department. “We are law-abiding companies. Since the government issued the order, we had to implement it,” Deepak Asher, Chairman, Multiplex Association of India, told DH.

But he said it would discourage multiplex chains from doing business in Karnataka. “No new multiplexes may be opened in Karnataka while the existing ones could be closed down. Besides, there won’t be any investments in the screening of high-end technology films. We request the government to withdraw the order,” he said.

As multiplexes fell in line, tickets were priced between Rs 260 and Rs 265 (including 33% entertainment tax). But Gold Class tickets, which are exempt from the cap, continue to be exorbitant. They are priced between Rs 650 and Rs 1,500.

Theatres with IMAX (widescreen cinematography producing images 10 times larger than standard 35 mm) and 4DS (technology that allows a film to be augmented with environmental effects such as seat motion, wind, rain, fog, lights, and scents) are exempt, too.

While executive class tickets have been slashed by about 40%, normal class tickets were hiked by an equal percentage. Clearly, multiplexes are trying to make up for the loss. Tickets for the two classes were priced between Rs 240 and Rs 264. The new prices will continue for the weekend (Friday to Sunday).

Multiplexes are yet to implement the order on compulsory screening of Kannada and regional language (Tulu, Konkani, Beary, Kodava and Banjara) films. It’s unclear what multiplexes should do when there are not enough films in Kannada or regional languages.

“We will call a meeting of multiplexes and the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce to decide this,” a senior official said. “While the important order that directly affects the audience has been implemented, we will give more time for implementation of the second order.”