In a major development, the Karnataka High Court has issued an interim stay on the state government’s controversial directive to fix cinema ticket prices at ₹200 across theatres and multiplexes. The move comes after multiplex chains and major production houses, including Hombale Films, challenged the order, warning it could destabilise the economics of cinema.

The temporary halt allows theatres to maintain their existing pricing while the matter is reviewed, providing immediate relief to producers and exhibitors alike. Advocates for the challenge argued that the government’s decision was arbitrary and failed to consider the investment-heavy nature of big-budget films. Senior counsel Dhyan Chinnappa, representing Hombale Films, stressed that imposing a flat ceiling could threaten both production sustainability and theatre profitability.

The state had introduced the price cap, intending to make films more affordable and accessible, standardising ticket costs across the board regardless of language or location. However, industry stakeholders quickly voiced concerns, highlighting that the policy overlooked the financial dynamics of multiplex operations and high-stakes productions.

With the interim stay in place, production houses and multiplexes can operate without sudden financial strain, but the final ruling will determine the future framework for ticket pricing in Karnataka. Experts suggest the outcome could influence similar policies nationwide, balancing public access to cinema with the economic realities of the entertainment business.

As proceedings continue, the High Court’s decision marks a pivotal moment for Karnataka’s film industry, signaling that any attempt to regulate ticket prices must carefully consider both audience affordability and industry sustainability.