The Kannada film industry has once again turned to the Karnataka government in the hope of securing long-term support. A delegation from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), led by its president Dr Jayamala, met Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and submitted a list of key demands that they believe are crucial for the future of Kannada cinema.
At the top of the agenda was the need for a new film policy that reflects the changing scenario of the entertainment industry. The delegation urged the government to amend the existing Cinematograph Act and introduce policies that take into account the rapid growth of OTT platforms and the challenges faced by regional cinema.
The Chamber also sought an increase in subsidies for Kannada films and requested the government to speed up the long-pending Film City project. Seen as a dream initiative for the industry, the Film City has remained on paper for years despite repeated announcements. The members stressed that the project could create better infrastructure for film making and help Karnataka emerge as a stronger production hub.
Another important request was the allotment of five acres of land from the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) to the Film Chamber. The land, they said, would help create facilities that would benefit the industry and support its future growth.
Responding to the delegation, DK Shivakumar assured the members that the government is committed to supporting Kannada cinema. He said the demands would be examined and asked officials to study the proposals, including the request for land and policy reforms.
The meeting comes at a time when the Kannada film industry is navigating a rapidly changing market. With audiences increasingly consuming content across multiple platforms and competition from other language industries growing stronger, the Chamber believes the time is right for structural reforms that go beyond financial assistance.
For Jayamala, this was one of her first major policy meetings after taking charge as KFCC president. The interaction well explains the Chamber's intent to work closely with the government and ensure that Kannada cinema receives the institutional support needed to thrive in the years ahead.
