The Karnataka High Court has issued an important directive on the ongoing cinema ticket price dispute, a move that directly affects audiences who have paid premium rates for films like Kantara: Chapter 1.
High Court’s Interim Order on Ticket Prices
The state government had earlier passed an order to fix uniform ticket prices in cinema halls, capping them at ₹200 (₹236 including GST). This order was challenged in court by PVR-Inox Multiplex and Hombale Films, the producers of Kantara.
In response, the Karnataka High Court granted an interim stay, which allowed multiplexes to continue charging higher ticket prices for big releases, including Kantara: Chapter 1.
New Notice to Multiplexes and Hombale Films
The latest update is that the Film Chamber of Commerce and the Producers Association have filed an appeal challenging this interim stay. The High Court has now issued a notice to Hombale Films and the Multiplex Association, asking them to respond.
The court has made it clear:
- Any collection above ₹200 (₹236 with GST) will be subject to the final verdict.
- If the court later rules in favor of the government, the excess amount must be refunded to the audience.
- Cinema halls have been instructed to inform audiences that the excess charge could be returned depending on the outcome.
Government’s Stand
AAG Ismail Zabiullah, arguing for the state, told the court that the government’s rule was legally valid and in public interest. He emphasized that the cap was fixed after due consultation.
Senior advocate V. Lakshminarayana, representing the Chamber of Commerce, argued that the stay on the government’s order should be vacated, since it was made at the request of industry stakeholders themselves.
Why This Matters for Audiences
The interim stay had allowed high ticket pricing for blockbuster films. For Kantara: Chapter 1, some tickets were priced far above the ₹200 ceiling, particularly in multiplexes. With the High Court now making refunds conditional, audiences could get back the excess amount if the final verdict supports the government’s regulation.
Impact on the Film Industry
- Multiplexes: PVR-Inox and others argue that uniform pricing hurts business models and reduces flexibility for premium releases.
- Producers: For banners like Hombale Films, premium ticketing has been key to recovering massive production costs of large-scale films like Kantara.
- Audiences: Moviegoers, especially families, have long complained about steep multiplex charges, especially during big releases.
Kantara Chapter 1 Refund Possibility
The High Court has not yet delivered a final verdict, but its notice sends a strong signal to the film industry. If the government’s side prevails, audiences will be entitled to refunds for ticket prices charged beyond ₹200.
Until then, viewers of Kantara: Chapter 1 and other films should keep their tickets safe, as they could serve as proof for refunds in the future.
