Rishab Shetty's Kantara 2 Gets Major Relief As Karnataka HC Pauses Cap On Rs 200

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday stayed the Siddaramaiah government's recent decision to cap the maximum price of movie tickets at ₹200 across all theatres, including multiplexes. Thus giving a major relief to the makers of upcoming movie Kantara 2, starring Rishab Shetty.

The order, passed by Justice Ravi V Hosmani, comes as a relief to multiplex owners and film producers who had challenged the rule, arguing it was arbitrary and would severely harm their businesses. The stay means the price cap will not be enforced until the court hears the case in full and delivers a final verdict.

The petition was filed by the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), film production houses, and other industry stakeholders against the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025.

Their core argument was that a uniform price cap is unreasonable. They contended that multiplexes investing in premium facilities like IMAX, 4DX, superior sound systems, and air-conditioning incur significantly higher costs than single-screen theatres.

A blanket cap of ₹200, irrespective of the vastly different costs, investments, and experiences, is manifestly arbitrary, the plea stated.

Representing the multiplex owners, Senior Advocate Udaya Holla argued that the rule was an unreasonable restriction on business.

Film producers, represented by Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, highlighted the impact on the industry's financial health. They stated that producers rely on fair ticket pricing to recover heavy investments in film production, and an artificial cap would violate their fundamental right to conduct business.

The State Government, represented by Additional Advocate General Ismail Zabiulla, defended the cap as a move made in public interest. They argued that the decision was intended to benefit consumers and the wider film fraternity, and that the state has the constitutional and legal authority to regulate ticket prices.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) also participated in the hearing, opposing any interim relief for the petitioners.

What Happens Next?

With the court's interim stay, movie theatres in Karnataka can revert to their previous pricing structure for the time being. The case will now proceed to a full hearing where both sides will present detailed arguments. The court's final decision will determine the fate of the government's affordable cinema ticket policy.

The state government's decision to cap could have affected the business of upcoming Kannada movie Kantara 2. The movie is scheduled to hit the screens on October 2.