The Karnataka High Court on today stayed the State government’s recent decision to cap cinema ticket prices at ₹200 across all theatres, including multiplexes.

Justice Ravi V Hosmani passed the interim order while hearing petitions filed by the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), film producers, and a PVR INOX shareholder challenging the amendment to the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2025. The order copy is awaited.

The petitioners argued that the blanket cap on ticket prices was arbitrary since multiplexes incur higher operational costs than single-screen theatres. They further pointed out that while cinema ticket prices are regulated, OTT platforms and satellite TV remain outside the ambit of such restrictions.

Senior Advocate Udaya Holla, appearing for MAI, contended that customers should have the freedom to pay more for luxury cinema experiences, and exhibitors should be allowed to fix prices accordingly. He added that a similar cap introduced earlier was withdrawn after being legally challenged.

Representing production house Hombale Films, Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa argued that the State had no authority to regulate ticket prices, as the parent legislation only dealt with licensing and construction of cinema halls. He stressed that arbitrary caps could hurt producers’ ability to recover investments.

The petitioners were also represented by Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi, DR Ravishankar, and Vikram Huilgol. Keystone Entertainments filed a separate petition through Advocate Bhargava Bhat.

On behalf of the State, Additional Advocate General Ismail Zabiulla and Additional Government Advocate Bhojegouda T Koller defended the rule, contending that the cap was imposed in public interest under the Karnataka Cinema Act and constitutional principles, particularly Article 38.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) sought to intervene in the matter and opposed interim relief to the petitioners.

The case will now be heard further, with the interim stay halting the State government’s attempt to enforce a uniform ticket price cap across cinema halls.