Cinema ticket prices in Karnataka are set to rise slightly from September 30, with the state government’s 2% welfare cess on cinema tickets coming into effect. The levy, introduced under the Karnataka Cine and Cultural Workers (Welfare Promotion) Act, 2024, is intended to create a welfare fund for people working in the cinema and cultural sectors.
Government Clears The Way
The development comes after the Karnataka High Court had earlier quashed the government’s enforcement circulars, pointing out that the 2024 Act had not yet been formally brought into force through the required notification. The state subsequently issued a Gazette notification bringing the Act into effect from September 30, 2026, clearing the procedural hurdle. The Multiplex Association of India has indicated that exhibitors are considering whether to absorb the additional cost or pass it on to moviegoers.
2% Extra On Cinema Tickets
For audiences, the immediate impact is a potential 2% increase in the amount paid for cinema tickets. For instance, a ₹250 ticket would attract an additional ₹5 if the cess is passed on entirely to customers. The timing is significant as several Kannada releases are lined up around the October 2 weekend, including Shiva Rajkumar’s Bail, Ganesh’s Pinaka, Darling Krishna’s Father and Pramod Panju’s Halka Don.